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!
Fall at Dartmouth is truly beautiful. It's a time for lots of beautiful "sunrikes" (sunrise hikes) and "sunsikes" (sunset hikes)! During peak foliage this year, I decided to go on a sunsike with some friends.
Gile Mountain is in Vermont, about a 20-minute drive from Dartmouth. The ride itself was beautiful on the way to the mountain. Once we got there, it was a 30-minute hike up the mountain. It was more of a walk with a lot of stairs! Definitely tiring for someone who does not hike ever (me).
Me enjoying the view after a tiring climb up
We arrived around 6:00 pm and made it to the top just in time to catch the sunset. There is a fire tower with stairs to climb up, where you can see the rolling hills and mountains in the distance. It was truly a beautiful sight. One of my friends took pictures from a drone, which were so beautiful!
The Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC)and its sub-clubs continuously host trips throughout the year, especially in the fall, to see the beautiful foliage! These are open to all Dartmouth students, regardless of if you are an involved member of the club. My favorite DOC sub-club is People of Colour Outdoors (POCO); they host so many awesome trips and are committed to an inclusive environment. Signing up for a DOC trip is a great way to meet new people and explore the Upper Valley!
Pictures from my talented friend! Check out his Instagram account here: @maxwellsimbaphotography
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!
