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!
After many weeks in denial, I have finally decided to accept that autumn is here. The leaves are yet to turn and fall, but it is here. The best parts of fall term are the countless fall term activities on campus. Apple picking, pumpkin picking, farmers' markets and sunrise hikes are among many ways to fill your time. With the weather turning cold, I have brought out my sweaters and pushed my summer clothes to the bottom of my wardrobe.
The Programming Board Club organizes an annual fall concert called Fallapalooza. They bring a variety of artists to campus every year, always choosing well. This year, the opener was J. Maya, the world's youngest pun champion. She was so engaging and really got the crowd going!
The headliner for the concert was no other than Claire Rosinkranz! Well known for her song "Backyard Boy", she is an amazing artist, and we were lucky enough to have her at Dartmouth. It is incredible that she is so accomplished at nineteen. Her vocals were astounding and the crowd went crazy for her songs. I personally love her song "Frankenstein", which she performed first.
The Programming Board organises many concerts like this including the Green Key concert in the spring. It is definitely a club to join if you are interested in being involved with the process. Whoever helps organize gets to meet the artists as well! Dartmouth may be in a rural area, but there are many ways in which entertainment is brought to campus.
Sadly, after half an hour, my math homework called and I had to watch the show from afar.
This picture was taken from the Fahey dorm building, which has a beautiful view of Tuck Drive. As week three rolls around, I am grateful to be in a place where I can have experiences like this.
In Solid Mechanics, we designed and constructed a bridge that held 10kN, around 1000kg! The process, from SOLIDWORKS design to laser cutting to gluing parts together, took us weeks, but it was one of the most rewarding projects I have ever done.
I applied through Questbridge's National College Match, but did not match. To others who also did not match, this is not the end of your application process! Here's what I did following match decision day.
Unlimited buffets, flavorful drinks, an assortment of breakfast pastries—Dartmouth has so many great food and drink options to choose from! Join me as I rank my favorite ones.
Walking around the Wellelsey campus, it's clear that it was built with intentional incorporation of the surrounding nature. The architecture of many buildings were also mindfully crafted to support Wellesley's unique principles.
