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!
The King Scholars Program at Dartmouth is a scholarship program for low-income international students who express interest in alleviating poverty in their home countries. I was lucky enough to be chosen as a part of the Class of 2026 cohort! We receive a four-year scholarship and leadership training throughout our four years at Dartmouth.
For freshman and sophomore years at Dartmouth, King Scholars have Leadership Week which occurs right after the end of the fall term. This is a week where we meet leaders and companies in international development as well as Dartmouth Alumni in the area. Leadership Week occurs in either Washington DC or New York, alternating each year. This year we went to New York!
We had the opportunity to meet the Obama Foundation Scholars at Colombia University, Matt Forti the Board Chairman of One Acre Fund, Jacqueline Woo the COO of Acumen, BRAC USA, Give Directly and Seeds of Peace. They all had amazing talks with us about their models and approaches that lead to alleviating poverty in their countries of focus. The different insights of each company making every effort to achieve similar goals were really interesting to observe and engage with.
With the Obama Foundation Scholars!
In addition to meeting all these brilliant people and their teams, we had the opportunity to meet the staff of UN Women and attend a briefing from the US Mission to the United Nations. We also toured the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, and were able to enter all the important conference rooms such as the Security Council and the General Assemblies.
While we were attending all these meetings, we were also undergoing leadership training to assess our strengths and abilities in the leadership field. It was definitely a surreal experience and I can't wait for next year's Leadership Week in Washington DC!
Learn about the different programs Dartmouth offers prospective students to explore campus life, learn about Dartmouth, and enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to Hanover!
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!
