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!
Getting back to campus after winterim (six weeks of break in between the Fall term and Winter term) can feel like a shock, firstly, the shift in temperature from Sri Lanka to Hanover. However, I was greeted by my lovely friend Victoria Ruiz '26 who helped me brave the cold and haul my bags to my dorm.
Secondly, getting back to a tight schedule and using 100% of my brain! Dartmouth follows a quarterly system, which means that the terms are ten weeks. The first week itself is a rush of finalizing classes and completing assignments. During this time, students often try out several different classes, to decide what they really want to take. This period is "Add/Drop" where students can add and drop classes freely for a fixed time. I am yet to take a term where I haven't changed at least one class. Most professors are understanding about the first week's work and will allow students to join after missing a few classes!
Organizing my term with Victoria Ruiz '26!
This term I am taking two engineering classes, a literature class and ice skating. I also work as an Undergraduate Advisor, Communications Director for the First Generation Office and part-time research in Offshore Wind Energy as an EE Just Fellow. Anticipating an extremely packed schedule, I prioritized organizing my Google Calendar! Good organization can take me a long way, so I always spend some time at the beginning of the term setting this up. I also use Notion to keep track of my assignments and deadlines!
Reconnecting with friends at the First Generation Community Dinner!
The best part of being back is getting to meet all my friends that I have not seen in many terms. The D Plan means that my friends have been on campus at different times, so it was great to meet them and catch up!
Let's Get Lost in the Library! A deep dive into the known, unusual, and hidden study spots all around Dartmouth's campus! Up first, the Berry Library—the iconic modern half of the central Baker-Berry Library!
50% of Dartmouth students are unaffiliated and find community through non-Greek social spaces. One such space is an undergraduate society. In this post, I interviewed Marion Caldwell '25, who has been a member of Amarna since her junior fall
