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!
Green Key Weekend is the biggest weekend of the Spring Term. Artists perform and endless events are happening across campus. This year the main artist for the concert was none other than Shaggy! I was sad to learn that I would miss this concert, having grown up listening to his songs. From the videos, it looked amazing. The concert is always free for all students and guests can enter for a fee.
This weekend in Berlin, it was Karneval der Kulteren, a festival that celebrates all the cultures represented in the city. The area of Kreuzberg is turned into a festival from Friday to Monday. Founded in 1995, the festival has consistently attracted crowds of more than 500,000 people.
The main event of this carnival is the street parade on Sunday! Around 5,000 people participate in this parade of cultures. They wear cultural clothes and perform, accompanied by colourful floats. The roads are closed off and the parade lasts for hours. I was warned about the amount of people present, but I was shocked to see the crowd myself. It does not help to be a short person in a large crowd! However, I was able to find some space at the front to watch the parade.
The effort put into each section of the parade is truly astounding. It was wonderful to experience all the different cultures and people in Berlin at this time. There were also floats for activists trying to send a message such as "100% Tempelhofer Feld", an initiative to keep the large recreational park on the abandoned airport from having housing built on it.
After the parade was over, we explored the stalls set up and joined a random party happening on the street! There were speakers and parties set up all around the block. While it was very different from being at Dartmouth during Green Key Weekend, it was a great Spring experience in Berlin!
It's hard to believe that it has been a year since I wrote my first end-of-fall-term reflection. It felt like only yesterday that I stepped into my dorm room this September, eager to reunite with my friends.
Most students have to go back to college after Thanksgiving to take their finals, but not at Dartmouth! We have a six-week winter break, known as "winterim!" Let me tell you how I spent my winterim!
As a second-year at Dartmouth, I've embraced leadership roles that foster community, creativity, and support! Here's a look at how each role has shaped my journey.
