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!
The Joan Sloan Dickey Centre for International Understanding, or The Dickey Centre for short, was created in 1982 with the purpose of uniting various individuals to broaden the scope of learning and address global challenges. The Dickey Centre is also a great resource to find and create internships!
I am a part of their Great Issues Scholars programme, which I joined in the Fall. It facilitates a year long series of events, that is aimed at enhancing the students' understanding of current international issues. This programme has helped me comprehend global problems at a much deeper scale. It connects us with alumni, renowned guest speakers and faculty.
One important event that I personally found extremely eye-opening was a discussion about a realistic two-state solution regarding Israel and Palestine. It was with speakers Yossi Beilin, the former Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and architect of the Oslo Accords, and Omar Dajani, who was on the Palestine Liberation Organization's Negotiations Support Unit. They were both brilliant individuals who had worked together many times and really helped us understand the work they were doing.
Great Issues Scholars also hosts termly simulations. Last term, the Dickey Board of Vistors Chair led us through a real-time approximation of public health policy and negotiaion, where the students were members of the Presidential Task Force. By hosting engaging events like this, Great Issues Scholars pushes us to approach conflicts in an efficient and successful manner.
A few weeks ago, in a Great Issues Scholars event at Rauner Library, we had the opportunity to read and examine old texts from the Dartmouth archives! Most conferences and meetings are held in person, with students being able to directly interact with visiting experts. There is plenty of time allocated at the end to ask questions as well!
SIP, or Social Impact Practicum, is a type of course that is offered at Dartmouth that centers around engaging with local community partners. I have taken two of these courses now and have found them to be enriching an interesting.
Coming back to Dartmouth for my senior year, I have been loving pursuing my major. However, what I love about the liberal arts education is that you can take classes for interest far beyond any classes in your major.
