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!
Making a Journal from Scratch: The Book Arts Workshop
Journal? Pamphlet? Zine? You name it, you can make it at the Book Arts Workshop, located in Baker-Berry Library.
There is no better time to take a well-deserved break than during finals week. As my fellow admissions blogger Brendilou and I were studying hard on the 2nd floor of Berry Library, we suddenly wanted to make journals. We had never been to the Book Arts Workshop and decided to take a trip downstairs to explore it.
The entire space is filled with materials for bookbinding and letterpress printing. They offer workshops throughout the term and have open studio hours from 2 pm to 8 pm on weekdays, with varying hours on weekends. This studio has such extensive open hours and does not require any training! They have a fantastic collection of ink for calligraphy, which I will be going back to explore.
We met a lovely instructor who walked us through making a small journal! We started with a cutting mat, needles, wax, and paper. Making a small book was pretty simple, and I am so excited to make more. Once we had our journals, we used a few of the countless stamps and paper punches to decorate them. We only brushed the surface of a whole wall of decorations!
The process!
One thing I love about Dartmouth is that I am still discovering everything Dartmouth has to offer. I find new places and have new experiences every term. I made a journal on a random Tuesday during finals, and now I have a new place to go when I need a creative break. Stay tuned for updates on my bookbinding journey!
As a Digital Media Student Director for Dartmouth's First-Generation Office, it is my role on campus to amplify first-gen voices, foster community, and create meaningful connections through creative outreach.
This fall, Dartmouth provided me with incredible opportunities to get involved in politics. I registered as a New Hampshire voter, joined civic organizations, canvassed, and more! Read on to follow my journey leading up to Election Day!
