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!
Dartmouth has a variety of dining options during the day, but have you ever wondered where you can get a bite to eat at night? Dartmouth has various spots for late-night snacks, whether mid-study sessions or just looking for a bite to eat with friends.
After dinner, the Class of '53 Commons (aka FoCo) closes around 8:30 pm. However, they reopen from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am for "FoCo Late Night". The food consists of delicious fried options like chicken tenders, quesadillas, fries, and mac & cheese. They also have drinks, coffee, and ice cream. This is not the all-you-can-eat buffet style that FoCo offers throughout the day. Students can buy individual items for the cost of a meal swipe for Dining Dollars (DBA). I highly recommend the ice cream, which is what I usually get. "Late Night" runs every day of the week!
Other options include the Snack Bars, which are located at many points on campus. These snack bars are open most days of the week, from around 10:00 pm to 2 am. These primarily include snacks, like candy, chocolate, and drinks. However, they do have a wide variety of ramen! You can also find vending machines that are always open for use; there is one in the building that I live in!
The one place I frequently use for late-night snacks is the 24/7 snack bar, Back of the Napkin, in the Engineering and Computer Science building, pictured above. Based on popular demand, the once student-run 9 to 5 snack bar was automated to run at all hours. They have a wide variety of options, including a coffee and tea bar. Back of the Napkin is a great option to have, especially for someone who spends a lot of time in the Engineering building!
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!
