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!
It is almost week three, and I have decided to remain in all of my classes—I often find myself utilizing the add-drop period, which allows students to "shop" for classes. I am taking two lab classes this winter, which is not a traditional schedule. My classes this term are CHEM 5 (General Chemistry), ENGS 22 (Systems), and ARTH 38.01 (Sacred Architecture of Asia)
CHEM 5
I am taking this class as it is a prerequisite to the engineering major—this is my last prerequisite class! I will then be ready to dive into the world of engineering. CHEM 5 consists of General Chemistry, such as stoichiometry, solubility, and acid-base titrations. It also includes a lab component, where we perform weekly experiments in a four-hour block of time (pictured above is me on my way to the lab). While this class is known to be demanding, I find myself enjoying the lesson structure. Also, there are so many opportunities to get help for the class, including Teaching Fellows, daily office hours, and tutoring.
ENGS 22
If this class sounds intimidating, it is because it is intimidating! However, I am approaching the class with an open mind. The class consists of solving linear systems using first-order differential equations. It is a core component of the Engineering Sciences degree. I have yet to decide how I feel about this class, but I have enjoyed it thus far. Like CHEM5, ENGS22 has a lab component. In the lab, we assess different types of systems each week for around three hours each week.
ARTH 38.01
This art history class satisfies one of my distributive requirements, and it is also a topic of interest for me, considering that I come from a region in South Asia. I have grown up around temples and monasteries my entire life, and I was interested to learn more about their significance and history. We started off the class with an introduction to Buddhism and Buddha's life. The class is participation-based, which I think is a great way to keep the lectures engaging. I have greatly enjoyed the assigned readings and class discussions over the past two weeks.
I have not decided which will be my favourite class this term but stay tuned to find out later in the term!
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
