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!
The sequel to Drawing 1! Undoubtedly harder, but definitely a great class. I can now say, with confidence, that I am able to paint a mango successfully.
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.
Starting on January 3rd classes are already up and running at Dartmouth! It seemed unreal that classes would start so early, so I booked my ticket to land two days after classes—which I then regretted. Dartmouth terms so fast that missing even two days of a class can make you feel behind on schoolwork. That being said, it is not difficult to catch up if you pay attention in classes, communicate with professors, and attend office hours.
To me, the "winterim" (winter break from November to January) is so important. Although the ten-week term can be a blur, the rest you get during academic breaks is much needed. I traveled home to Sri Lanka for the break, which was the best recharge. Spending time with family—away from academics—was exactly what I needed.
However, I did miss the bustling environment that is Dartmouth. I thought I would be homesick coming back this time, but after seeing all my friends, I am extremely excited for the term ahead!
As soon as I got off the Dartmouth Coach, I was hit with the cool January air of Hanover—instantly regretted my outfit choice. It seemed my body had forgotten how to deal with the cold after one month away from it! The snow came late this year, only starting at the end of our first week. Now, the college is completely covered in white snow, which will probably remain until the end of March. As I write this blog, we are at the end of our first week and are in a snowstorm. I can only imagine what is yet to come!
My goals for this term include embracing all things winter, which I believe is the best way to get through it! I plan to go ice skating, skiing and snowboarding; where else would I get the chance? Stay tuned for my upcoming winter adventures!
It's easy to forget how easy it is to access walking trails during the hustle of a Dartmouth term. As graduation nears, I am reminded of how special it is to step off campus and enjoy quiet moments in nature.
With a solar eclipse sweeping across North America for the first time in nearly seven years on April 8th came a road-trip with hundreds of other Dartmouth students to a zone of totality near campus: St. Johnsbury, Vermont!
I have written about being a student worker plenty of times in the past, but I have yet to talk about one of my favorite jobs ever: ticket selling at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
