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!
Well, it's been two years. Looking back on my arrival at Dartmouth, I realize it does not feel so long ago. My sophomore year swept by faster than I could have imagined. At the same time, I have grown and learned so much over these two years.
Sophomore fall was undoubtedly the most difficult term so far. Not because of the classes I was taking—I enjoyed them very much—it was just daunting to realize that I was not a first-year anymore. I had spent a year on campus and should know my way around. I felt I should be sure of my interests and should have a clear plan for my future. Well, these were my thoughts at the time. The campus felt different than in my first year. It was all so familiar, and yet, I did not feel comfortable. I struggled with navigating these emotions for some weeks. Thankfully, I had and still have a great support system at Dartmouth that helped me through this uncertain time.
After my much-needed trip home to Sri Lanka over the winter break, I entered winter term apprehensive that it may be similar to my fall experience. I was completely wrong; it turned out to be my favorite term at Dartmouth! This comes as a surprise to me, particularly because of my dislike for cold weather. I was taking two STEM classes with lab components, but I loved what I was learning and I really enjoyed the term.
My spring term in Berlin was amazing, to say the least. I got to explore a whole new culture and continent. Most importantly, I was studying about renewable energy and sustainable development. I must say that I missed Dartmouth a lot. Being away from friends and community was difficult but worth the experience. I was, however, devastated to miss Green Key, where Shaggy performed! Not being on campus also meant that I didn't fully realize my second year was coming to an end. I was too busy and excited to be abroad to comprehend this milestone!
It saddens me to be halfway done with my Dartmouth experience. Reflecting on the past two years has made me deeply appreciative of the wonderful communities I have made at Dartmouth. I cannot wait to be back in Hanover for the fall term for the second leg of my journey.
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!
