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!
Dartmouth has given me so many opportunities to travel. During my time here, I have been to so many new places! While this trip is not Dartmouth-sponsored, I traveled with one of my best friends, Victoria, whom I met during the FYSEP program.
We stayed at her house in Mexico, across the border from San Diego. I was surprised to learn how hilly the terrain was, as her house overlooked the entire city of Tijuana. We started our first night with great tacos from a small stall near her home; this was my first time eating 'real tacos,' which was exceptionally better than all the tacos I had tried in the United States.
One of the most exciting things we did was go to a beautiful winery in Valle de Guadalupe, which is a famous place for wine! We attended a wine tasting where we had an amazing cheese platter.
Victoria and I at the winery!
On the way to the winery, we stopped at Puerto Nuevo, a small port town with great seafood and a beach! The beach was unfortunately too cold to go to, but the food was so flavourful. We also got to pass by a motorcycle race, with around two hundred motorcycles lined up to compete.
The food we tried at Puerto Nuevo!
My favorite drink from Mexican cuisine is Jamaica (the J is pronounced as H), which is made from the hibiscus plant. Victoria makes this on campus occasionally, which is how I was introduced to it! My experience in Mexico was great, and I loved learning about the culture, food, and language. I'm writing this as our trip wraps up; I can't wait to come back sometime and travel to other parts as well!
As a Digital Media Student Director for Dartmouth's First-Generation Office, it is my role on campus to amplify first-gen voices, foster community, and create meaningful connections through creative outreach.
This fall, Dartmouth provided me with incredible opportunities to get involved in politics. I registered as a New Hampshire voter, joined civic organizations, canvassed, and more! Read on to follow my journey leading up to Election Day!
Some of my rising senior friends from New York have been in contact with me since graduation, and I've compiled a list of FAQs that might help you better understand life at Dartmouth!
