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!
A sunny weekend in Hanover is, on its own, a reason for celebration. It was warm, the trees were full of flowers and it smelt like summer. It was almost too nice to get work done. However, this weekend was extra special because it was the 51st Annual Dartmouth College Powwow! Dartmouth College was initially built as a college for Indigenous students and is built on Indigenous land. However, it did not fulfill its original purpose and instead became an institution primarily for male, White students in 1769.
The Powwow is an opportunity for students, faculty and residents of the Upper Valley to appreciate and celebrate Indigenous culture and traditions! It was hosted on the Dartmouth Green and had performances from a myriad of Indigenous tribes. There were also a vast number of stalls, run by the Indigenous community! There were beautiful handmade earrings, necklaces, ornaments and bags. These were accompanied by colourful dresses, shawls and all other kinds of clothing. The variety was like no other and reminded me of the markets I have back home in Sri Lanka.
Some of the exquisite jewelry at the Powwow!
I bought a beautiful necklace, a pair of earrings and a bracelet. I had to physically hold myself back from purchasing more items from the Powwow. Music and dancing filled the Green for the whole afternoon and evening. Many Indigenous families come up to Dartmouth for the Powwow, as it is the second-largest event of its kind in the entire Northeast.
This weekend also brought the annual Lū'au, organised by Hōkūpaʻa, Dartmouth's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander student group! It was the most flavourful food I have had at Dartmouth since I have been here. To experience and appreciate these different cultures was truly heartwarming.
Coming from a place where Indigenous studies are not taught, I think it is of great importance to be educated and aware of Indigenous communities in the United States. I took a class called Indian Country Today taught by Professor Bruce Duthu last fall and it was an absolutely incredible class- I would recommend it to anyone. If we are going to attend an institution that was built on Indigenous land, and for Indigenous students, then being culturally aware and appreciative is the least we can do.
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!
Homecoming—a time when current students and alumni gather to relive cherished memories and exhibit large amounts of school spirit. Find out how I spent my second Homecoming Weekend at Dartmouth!
