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Yehalah Fernando
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Are we out of the woods yet?
Hello and ආයුබෝවන්!
My name is Yehalah and I'm a '26! First of all, if you're struggling to pronounce my name in your head, don't worry, I've never met anyone who has gotten it right on the first try.
I have lived in Sri Lanka my entire life, except for a few years in Singapore when I was younger. I had actually never traveled outside of Asia until I came here! Leaving my family behind and traveling alone, for 26 hours, across three flights was, to say the least, challenging but Dartmouth has more than exceeded my expectations, it has been outstanding! (Potterheads please notice my reference).
On a completely different note, if you're looking at this post that means you're interested in Dartmouth! I know how exhausting the application process is and I just want to say that I am proud of you; you're looking in the right place.
As an international, first-generation low-income (FGLI) student I hope my blog serves as a space where I can help people like me (and not like me!) gain insight into the many ways Dartmouth can become a second home.
![At New Student Orientation! At New Student Orientation!](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_half/public/admissions/wysiwyg/6db8f024-3708-48a6-8a2f-e97dab2b38a6_1.jpg?itok=1PP8E9wF)
The past month and a half has been a whirlwind, from the FYSEP Summer Session to International Orientation and First Year Trips. It feels like I just got here yesterday and like I've been here my whole life at the same time- which barely makes sense, I know. The FYSEP Summer Session which is a one-month long orientation program for first-generation, low-income students was easily one of the best experiences of my life. I met the most brilliant people (both students and staff) which gave me a community here at Dartmouth that I am so grateful for.
I am interested in pursuing Engineering with a possible concentration in the Energy field. However, because of Dartmouth's great academic flexibility, even though I'm pursuing a STEM concentrated major, I still have countless opportunities to explore the arts and extracurriculars.
I'm taking Drawing 1 this fall which is my favorite course for this term!
![Drawing crumpled up pieces of paper for my class Drawing crumpled up pieces of paper for my class](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_half/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_1464_1.jpg?itok=64lYMHSk)
Being an FGLI student can be difficult and different but I've made it this far and I know I have the best resources for me to succeed. I actually applied twice to Dartmouth, got in the second time and here I am, writing to all of you as I'm about to start week two of classes!
Stay tuned as I navigate the college on the hill and fight the urge to blast "Out of the Woods" by Taylor Swift every time I pass a cluster of more than five trees.
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![Connecticut river](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-11_at_12.34.54_pm.png?itok=Za7K_il9×tamp=1720715742)
Sophomore Summer has already defined itself by its exciting, unfamiliar experiences and the relaxed atmosphere of campus. With new classes and clubs in full swing, here is what I have been up to during this wonderful time on campus!
![Me! blog_828 × 1026_brendilou](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_1226.png?itok=U8hQQ4ev×tamp=1663881287)
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In this blog, I would like to share some other academic-inclined ways that Dartmouth students spend their freshman summer.
![blogger_image](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/wechatimg3290.jpg?itok=_fEvVHFF×tamp=1695605711)
![An image of the Seattle skyline across the water](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-15_at_10.20.59_pm.png?itok=IvcyiHVw×tamp=1721096489)
My first time in Seattle, during the week of the 4th of July! Exploring fish markets and watching fireworks, I had a great time exploring a new city during my off-term!
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![My reunions co-workers](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screenshot_2024-06-21_at_22.38.05.png?itok=m-RnpBDm×tamp=1719023956)
Have you ever thought of working for reunions? Well, neither did I. But it was super fun, come check what it's all about!
![Antonio Jorge Medeiros Batista Silva '25](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/blog_antonio_profile_picture.jpg?itok=z4tVogx3×tamp=1632239532)
![A view of Baker Tower from the Green during the summer](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_1_1.jpg?itok=WhMNrP7S×tamp=1719924347)
Dartmouth employs a unique quarter system in which most students are on campus in the summer between their sophomore and junior year, labeled "Sophomore Summer." But why did it start? And what are my plans for this notable term?
![Olivia Koo - blogger](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/4b596702-2c48-4037-8b1f-db79eeb3e7b0_1_201_a_0.jpg?itok=9S9os9ML×tamp=1663532063)
![Friends looking off at the Connecticut River](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-06_at_11.45.02_pm.png?itok=SzHWdeBr×tamp=1720323933)
Sophomore summer is in full swing, and with the campus exclusively for sophomores, it's a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere. I'm on campus to enjoy this unique experience, diving into activities like cooking, research, and outdoor outings!
![Picture of Memo smiling in front of a pond](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/screen_shot_2024-07-17_at_9.01.11_pm.png?itok=NhqBy66V×tamp=1721264590)
![Potes Espana This is a picture of the town Potes in the northern Cantabria region of Spain.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/potes.jpg?itok=pfwyKWOg×tamp=1719429598)
My first week in Spain has allowed me to discern distinct cultural differences. I have also been adapting to the time change, food, and speaking Spanish 24/7.
![Portrait of Lily sitting in the woods](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/lily_10-12_-_lily_johnson.jpg?itok=kREBBEd0×tamp=1694612886)
![A Mountain and Sun](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_1_3.jpg?itok=bP9sttfZ×tamp=1719347366)
What did I learn from my first year? Read on to find out.
![Nathan in his Dartmouth sweatshirt in his bedroom](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_3925_-_nathan_hammerschmitt_le_gal.jpeg?itok=b101ewC2×tamp=1694611771)