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!
Over the past year and a half at Dartmouth, I have made the most incredible friends; the people I have met are all amazing and considerate. With the snowy winter term wrapping up, I wanted to head somewhere warm with some friends! I decided to go to Universal Studios in Los Angeles this spring break with some of my Dartmouth friends on the West Coast. It was my first time traveling to the West Coast!
I stepped off the plane to a gust of warm wind and knew I would like the place. My close friend Victoria lives in San Diego, where I was staying. The two of us—and one of my other friends, Ryan—went to Los Angeles and spent the day at Universal Studios!
I was mostly excited about the Harry Potter world, as I have been an avid fan since day one. We tried Butterbeer, which mostly tasted like butterscotch and a ton of sugar. There was an excellent immersive ride with 4D visual effects! One day was enough to try all the "thrill" rides in the park.
Outside the castle in Harry Potter World!
After a long day, we drove to see my friend Miriam, who lives in Los Angeles. She took us to a great sushi place that was both delicious and affordable.
The food was delicious and made up for the overpriced park food!
Reflecting on a great day, I am so grateful for the friends I made at this place. Finding your people takes some time and does not happen overnight. I took the time to understand who I wanted around me, which has made my experience at Dartmouth magical.
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!
