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!
Wow, I am out of practice. That was my first thought after starting week one. Three months of a non-Dartmouth schedule has rusted my wheels. The constant productivity takes some time to get back into, but I am finding my way there. The classes I am taking this term have proven to be a great combination (so far). I was indecisive for a long time, but I am excited to see how this term will challenge me!
First up is ENGS 21, Introduction to Engineering. This class is entirely project-based, with a group of around four students. The goal is to design a prototype for a product that attempts to solve a problem. Projects are reviewed based on technical aspects, economic feasibility and social significance! It is a lot of work outside of class, but I have a great team. I am so excited to see what we end up building.
Next is MATH 013, Multivariable Calculus. I have feared this class since I arrived at Dartmouth and decided to take this class only at the end of week one. I reluctantly went to class with the expectation of being completely lost. I am happy to say I was pleasantly surprised that I could understand all the material. The lecturer is great and leaves a lot of room for questions which is important for me because I ask so many!
German 01 is my third and final class. In order to graduate, Dartmouth students must fulfill the language requirement, and it is usually three language classes. I must say, on my first day of class I thought I was in the wrong level of German. The class is taught entirely in German, with ten minutes to speak in English at the end if necessary. I was skeptical of this teaching method at first, but I soon realized that it was extremely effective. The class can already string comprehensive sentences together after only the first week! Language classes at Dartmouth are intensive but definitely effective.
As an engineering major, my classes are quite STEM-concentrated, but I always find room for a non-STEM class!
Applying early to a university can be overwhelming and confusing. As someone who did not apply to Dartmouth through early decision, here are a couple tips that I could have used when thinking about applying early to a school!
As a second-year at Dartmouth, I've embraced leadership roles that foster community, creativity, and support! Here's a look at how each role has shaped my journey.
