Hi everyone! I'm Yehalah and I'm a '26 coming all the way from Colombo, Sri Lanka. My academic passions lie in Energy Engineering and Environmental Studies. I am a first-generation and low-income student, actively involved with the community. I love to paint and read during my free time. I'm excited that you're here, and I hope you enjoy this account of my life at Dartmouth!
Taking an art class has long been a dream of mine. Drawing 1 with Professor Enrico Riley exceeded my expectations greatly! He is an inspiring instructor who allowed us creative freedom, while guiding us in the right direction. We drew in different forms of charcoal, with colour introduced towards the end of the term. I loved my experience and I cannot wait to take another Studio Art class!
The sequel to Drawing 1 with Professor Enrico Riley! We worked in oil paint, which I was completely new to and admittedly afraid to use. I ended up falling in love with the medium and the flexibility it gave me to adjust and refine my paintings at any point in the process. I am sad to finish this class and I hope I get to take another Studio Art class in the future!
Moving to America was a drastic adjustment, especially considering the difference in perception of race and ethnicity. This class gave me a insight into past and current American oppression against Black and Indigenous communities. I loved how much I learnt through this class, which was also my First Year Seminar requirement.
My first language class at Dartmouth! Taking German was intimidating, especially because of the fast-paced and rigorous learning method that Dartmouth uses. It was so interesting to learn the different grammar and rules used in the German language. I cannot wait to use my Beginner German skills in Berlin next Spring!
The Sacred Architecture of Asia is one of the most incredible courses I have taken at Dartmouth! The course is primarily discussion-based, with Professor Seher explaining and initiating conversation about the course material. The material assigned was incredibly inspiring and taught me so much about South Asian religions and their beginnings. Everywhere I travel now, I think about the lessons I have learnt in this class and I am truly grateful to Professor Seher for facilitating an incredible learning experience!
Learning about German history in Berlin was a great way to explore the city and culture! The class had weekly excursions where we visited important sites in Berlin, which was so informative and helpful. Overall, I learnt so many new aspects of Germany and the people who played a significant role in German history.
SummerPerrysburg, Ohio
Interning at First Solar, a solar panel manufacturing company! I work on the Application Engineering team under Product Management, developing ways to better serve our clients and enhance our products. It has been an amazing experience so far, I have learnt so much and I am so grateful for this opportunity!
With the fall term creeping around the corner, I find myself back at my US home! There is something so comforting about returning to Dartmouth after some time away. I instantly feel safe, secure and at home. I know that I have a place to stay, food to eat and people that care about me. Especially being the only place I have in the US, it was so nice to come back after six months away from campus.
To enjoy the great weather on campus, I took a trip down to the river to read with my friend and fellow admissions blogger Brendilou. The Connecticut River runs right next to Dartmouth's campus and is a great place to relax, read a book or go for a swim. The swimming docks next to the river are open from 2.pm to 8pm Monday through Friday and from noon - 8pm on weekends. It is important to note that swimming is only permitted at these docks and during the presence of Dartmouth Outdoor Program lifeguards. The river currents can be incredibly unpredictable!
Because of the great weather, Brendilou and I headed down to one of the swimming docks. I was reading my book, Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Adichie while Brendilou wrote in her journal. The river is beautiful during the summer and will be for the next two weeks at least. I had forgotten how nice it was to have a serene location like this so close to campus. It is around a 6-minute walk from my dorm at Fahey Hall. While Dartmouth's location is rural, it allows us to easily access great places like this, which we would never find in a large city. It is one of the many things I love about this campus.
After a few hours of much-needed sunbathing and reading, we headed off to lunch and a great afternoon nap. I'm going to miss this weather as fall shows itself but I'm so glad I got to catch the last bits of summer on campus
Unlike some other universities, many of the STEM lecture classes at Dartmouth require concurrent enrollment in a laboratory section. What is it like navigating that time as a student?
Join me for a 5:30 A.M adventure as I hike the Gile Mountain to catch the sunrise and explore the Norwich Farmers' Market, enjoying delicious treats and a beautiful morning!
Homecoming—a time when current students and alumni gather to relive cherished memories and exhibit large amounts of school spirit. Find out how I spent my second Homecoming Weekend at Dartmouth!
