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!
Two years ago, I was on my way to Dartmouth, with my three suitcases and nothing much else. Other than, of course, all my hopes and dreams for the next four years. After my journey through FYSEP, an amazing month-long orientation program for first generation and international students, it all became very real.
I embarked on First-Year Trips, completely terrified of the prospect of no showers. Luckily, I was in "cabin camping and lake", which allowed me to stay clean. This whole experience seems like a daydream to me now, and I cannot even believe that I decided to do it. We stayed in a cabin with bunkbeds, one bathroom and ate hummus and fruits for the most part.
Afterward this insane adventure, I dived right into New Student Orientation and met so many new people! It was a little overwhelming, to encounter people with so many different personalities and backgrounds, but I loved the experience. Since I was a part of International Student Orientation as well, I got to meet students who had also travelled far to be here. I could tell how excited everyone was to meet people and get to know Dartmouth. These first few days flew past as I absorbed so much new information and explored Dartmouth.
My first time on the Connecticut River with my friend Victoria!
I found it so important to take time for myself during these days. I always kept an hour or two to wind down my day, talk to my family and relax after a long day of socialising. Being so far away from home was difficult and I loved calling my family to tell them every small detail about my day; it helped me feel like they were with me. I took time to make my room a home, and set myself up mentally for the coming year.
My freshman year dorm, Richardson Hall!
Moving to Dartmouth was a life-changing yet incredibly challenging experience. It is no small feat to pack up your entire life, make new friends and excel in an entirely new environment. While orientation may make it seem like people already have friends, and friend groups, I promise you that most students are in the same boat as you and eager to meet new people!
To the incoming 28's, be so proud of how far you have come and take care of yourself during these first few weeks!
