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!
Packing and planning, a both exciting and excruciating process, especially when packing for the next four years of your life! I recall the many people and websites I consulted to decide what I should bring to Dartmouth. Particularly I remember consulting the People Places Pines blog for advice! Here, I hope to shed some light on what items are really necessary for your freshman fall, and what is not. Please keep in mind that the definition of "necessary" here is entirely my own and this is not an exhaustive list!
1. Winter Jackets
Without a doubt, one of the most important items of clothing at Dartmouth. Particularly for international students living in hot climates, I want to stress that winter clothes made there will most likely not withstand a Dartmouth winter. I brought two jackets to Dartmouth and they barely kept out the wind. One of my best jackets which I wore my entire freshman winter was a jacket I got for free from a thrift store hosted by the Dartmouth Sustainability Office! Additionally, students on a particular degree of financial need with receive a $300 dollar gift card to L.L.Bean, a reputed retailer of winter gear! I strongly believe that their is no need to purchase multiple expensive winter jackets, you could find a jacket at the thrift store or purchase one good jacket when you are here.
Me and my friend Victoria in our winter jackets! This is one here is what I purchased with my $300 LL Bean gift card.
2. T-Shirts
Yes, T-shirts deserve their own category. Trust me when I say that you will collect so many T-shirts throughout your Dartmouth career. In my first term itself, I collected maybe six t-shirts, without even an intention to collect them. Every important occasion will have a t shirt to accompany them!
3. Little Room Needs
These may be very specific to my own experiences! I use a kettle almost daily to make tea, which is why I have one in my room. However, there is always hot water available at the dining hall and some common rooms may also have their own kettles. An iron is a necessity for me, to make sure my clothes are not wrinkled. It is easy to find an iron for around $15 at Target or Walmart which you can travel to on public buses. Hangers are extremely important but there are so many second hand hangers left over from student who leave! At the beginning of orientation, there is a sustainability sale where you can purchase hangers, lamps, and other items like these for a great price.
4. Furniture
This may be more obvious, but I do not believe any personal furniture is important. Each dorm room comes with a bed, mattress, bedside stand, closet, desk and chair. There is no need for any extra furniture, especially considering the limited space you will have. You will most likely be sharing your room so I would highly recommend communicating with your roommate if you plan to bring furniture that could inconvenience them. I decorated my room with pictures, posters and small trinkets to make it feel like home!
A glimpse into my freshman dorm room!
5. Mini-Fridge!
One of the most sought after items for dorm rooms, fridges are in no short supply at Dartmouth. After graduating, many Dartmouth students leave their fridges behind. At the above mentioned sustainability sale, there are usually at least 50 mini-fridges for sale! This would save you money and help support a sustainable culture on campus. I know only a few people who have purchased new fridges upon arrival to Dartmouth, and most of them end up having to discard them. Furthermore, each common room/kitchen has a fridge for communal use!
My mini-fridge I got for free from my freshman year!
Overall, most of your items can be purchased once you arrive at Dartmouth, second hand, or online. Especially for international students, bring only what you need such as clothes and special items from home!
The thrills and whirlwind that is Freshman Fall was an extraordinary time in my life. Reflecting on two years back, I want to explore the many events and emotions I went through during this time.
How do Dartmouth students balance their classes and social life in a reasonable way? Somehow, we manage to get good grades and prioritize our academics while also making life-long friendships and memories.
