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!
Consider this a love letter to all the friends I have made this freshman fall.
It is safe to say that I would not be the person I am today without my friends. I am someone who cannot thrive in solitude. I love surrounding myself with people that I care about.
The friends I have made at Dartmouth are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. Despite being brilliant (which goes without saying), they were my saving grace this first term. I spend every day with these people and not once have I felt out of place or struggled to fit in.
As I look back at my memories in a whirlwind of colour and sound, this first term is etched into my mind as clearly as my hatred for the Epsilon-Delta math theorem.
Intellectual (very-heated) conversations that have everyone either picking sides or being a laughing bystander. Falling on the steps of the dining hall. Trying to see how many people we can possibly fit into one booth at Foco. Finding out I can roller skate pretty well. Wearing ankle-length puffer coats with my friend Victoria, when some students were still in shorts. My first (American) football match. Late nights drawing at the Black Family Visual Arts Center with my friend Jamylle. Collectively breaking down over Math 003 homework. Staying up and listening to the whole Midnights album with my friend Gaby. Playing in the first fall of snow at 2 AM. Most of all, confusing all my friends by telling them the temperature in Celcius every single day.
Yes, Dartmouth is challenging. Sometimes to the point where you start questioning if you belong there. However, I am a firm believer that with the right people by your side, anything is possible. As I packed up my bags and boarded the Dartmouth Coach, there was an ache in my heart that I had not anticipated. The nostalgia for my first term was already hitting and I was not ready to leave my friends behind.
While winter break has been relaxing and a much-needed recharge, I find myself already gravitating towards Dartmouth and meeting all my friends again. I am in no doubt that winter term will be challenging, but I am also equally certain that I will be just fine. I know that I have a support system like no other. I know now that I am not alone.
Make the friendship bracelets. To the friends I have made this term, I love you all.
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!
