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 winter this year has been different from our last. Last year, we got snow during week 3, and this year, there has been snow everywhere (and a lot of it) since week 1. Many upperclassmen warned me that my first-year winter was "mild," I believe it now.
The temperatures, too, have been far colder than last year; this weekend, temperatures went down to -16 degrees Celcius (3°F)! My response was to wear as many layers as possible and my ankle-length coat. I know these temperatures can sound alarming, especially to those from warmer areas. As someone initially scared of the cold, I can assure you there are ways to make the most of it.
There are many resources available for students seeking warm clothing. The financial aid office provides a $300 gift card to LLBean for students on high financial aid. LLBean is a store that sells high-quality winter gear, including jackets, gloves, and warm layers. This initiative allowed me to buy a great coat I wear almost daily!
The Free Market is an on-campus thrift store run by students in the Sustainability Office. All the clothes here are free of charge, and they have tons of warm winter gear. I love finding clothing here, as it is affordable (free) and a sustainable way to shop!
If the Free Market does not fulfill your needs, the LISTEN Thrift Store is a good option in the nearby town of Lebanon. You can get there using the free public transport service, in around 25 minutes! They have a wide variety of winter clothing in all sizes.
I have never been worried about not having access to warm clothes and shoes at Dartmouth. There are resources all around you and people to direct you to it! Once you get past the initial cold shock—and learn how to layer—Dartmouth is a great place to be in the wintertime!
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.
