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!
Move to Europe for 3 months? Live with a new family? Commute to classes? Why not! A study abroad in Berlin sounded exciting, invaluable and also daunting at the same time. I already uprooted my life to move to America, but the thought of moving to Berlin felt entirely different. I would miss all the people I love on campus and be outside my comfort zone at Dartmouth. However, what is Dartmouth if it isn't supposed to push me to try new things?
The Green City Berlin program pairs students with a host family based on habits, interests and priorities. They also take specific requests into consideration! I requested to be near other students, and I live on a street with three other students. My host family is a couple, an art historian and an architect, whose children have moved out of the house. They are amazing hosts and make me feel so welcome in their home.
I have my own room with more than enough space for myself and my belongings. My room has a work desk overlooking their beautiful garden! Host families are required to provide students with breakfast and dinner on weekdays and all meals on weekends. My host family and many host families in this program eat little to no meat. This is something foreign to me, and I initially found it difficult to adjust to. However, after a week or so I got used to the cuisine and style of cooking. They constantly ask me what I like to eat and are ready to help me with anything I need.
We try to communicate mostly in German but do switch to English when we are discussing topics that I do not have the capacity to discuss in German. They are very patient with my German and help me with grammar and sentence structure when they can!
I lived with a temporary host family for a week while my permanent host family went on vacation and they were incredibly nice too. They even let me borrow their rollerblades to use during my time here!
The next Berlin Green City program runs in the Spring Term of 2026. I know it can be daunting to move away from everything you know to live with a different family. Because I stepped outside of my comfort zone, I have loved my stay with my host family in Berlin and it is worth exploring!
My first time in Chicago at the Society of Women Engineers Conference in Chicago, Illinois! Fully funded by Dartmouth, I had a great time meeting amazing companies and getting to know fellow women engineers.
From orientation week to your classes, you can easily find community at Dartmouth! Read on to know how I met my Dartmouth family and where you might also find yours.
Academics can be challenging at Dartmouth. But there are lots of groups across campus here to support you through your academic journey. Read on for my experience asking for help and a few organizations that might be helpful to you!
Unlike some other universities, many of the STEM lecture classes at Dartmouth require concurrent enrollment in a laboratory section. What is it like navigating that time as a student?
As an international student, I was hesitant to join Greek Life, but I found a welcoming community. Now, as a junior, I hope to help others find their place too.
