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!
Writing in English can be the most annoying challenge in the world. Correct punctuation varies depending on the context, pronunciation is not consistent and some words and concepts just do not translate to English.
However, this is not a tirade about the inadequacy of the English language. This is me trying to console all the recently accepted and prospective Dartmouth students who didn't learn English as a first language; you are not alone in this struggle—there is assistance in this area!
There is a writing requirement at Dartmouth. This means that every freshman will have to take one writing course and one seminar course in their first year. Yes, taking a writing course in English can sound daunting. When I first heard about it, I was very apprehensive.
That was before I found out that the writing courses are divided into different levels. Sometime in June, all first-years are required to take a writing placement, that determines which level of writing they will take. However, I need to mention that while there is a placement process, each student can indicate their preference of course.
There is the humanities sequence, which is for advanced students and requires extensive reading and writing throughout the term. There is Writing 5, which is more of an intermediate level of writing, for students who have had some experience with writing and working in English.
Then there is Writing 2-3, which is a pathway consisting of two courses across two terms. This is for students at the beginner level of writing. Out of this particular pathway, there is a special section dedicated to international students whose first language is not English.
This requirement is in place to prepare every student with the necessary writing and technical skills needed for Dartmouth courses. It is, however, nothing to be stressed about.
One important resource I must mention for writing is RWIT. This is the Student Center for Research, Writing and Information Technology. It is a Peer Writing Center that offers one-on-one meetings with an undergraduate tutor to discuss assignments such as papers, research projects or multi-media tasks. You could go there to discuss ideas, brainstorm, draft and edit your assignments. They offer both in-person and online appointments!
There are many many resources to help with beginner writing at Dartmouth, so if this is something you were uncertain about, I hope that I have helped in some way to alleviate that worry.
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!
