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 in the winter is cold, very very cold. Freezing would be a better word to describe it actually. This past week was brutal, with the temperature going down to -29 degrees Celsius and the wind chill being -40 degrees Celsius. It's safe to say it was terrifying for a tropical island girl like me. I was wearing four layers on top, three pairs of pants, an ankle-length jacket, a beanie, earmuffs, and a scarf. Not to mention two pairs of socks and gloves.
Frozen eyelashes from walking outside!
Personally, I would have loved to be in bed, sipping hot chocolate. However, life goes on and even in extreme temperatures, it is still a Dartmouth day and there are things that need to be done. I still had classes and my job to go to. I also managed to make it alive to the Dartmouth vs. Princeton ice hockey game, which was a long walk from my dorm but turned out to be really fun.
Dartmouth vs Princeton!
I did my best to limit my time outdoors though and always made sure to walk with one of my friends. The College also had the campus shuttle running until 2:30 AM to and from major locations around campus. To all the local and international students from warm areas, I am not trying to scare you. I am trying to emphasize on being ready for a Dartmouth winter, especially how important it is to wear multiple layers and a warm coat. The Sustainability Office hosts many winter clothing drives, so don't worry if you are unable to afford winter clothes or unable to bring some to Dartmouth when you are initially arriving.
When I was coming to Dartmouth, I was definitely underprepared for the weather change. I barely brought any winter clothes from home. However, for the months I have been here, Dartmouth has helped me prepare for the winter and they still are. Last Friday, I went on a trip organized by the Sustainability Office to the local thrift store to get some warm base layers, where they gave us each some money to spend as well.
The temperatures we have been experiencing these past few days have been extreme and aren't the normal temperatures around this area. Hopefully, by the next post I write, I will be able to walk around campus with one less layer.
I took advantage of the crisp autumnal weather and vibrant foliage to explore beyond Hanover and cross off an item on my bucket list, just in time for Halloween!
SIP, or Social Impact Practicum, is a type of course that is offered at Dartmouth that centers around engaging with local community partners. I have taken two of these courses now and have found them to be enriching and interesting.
