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!
Zumba during the winter? That does not seem like anything I would do, or at least that's what I thought before this term.
It can be challenging to stay active, especially in weather that makes my ears ache. The absence of sun does take a toll on my motivation, and I find myself in no way inclined to be more active than making it to class every day.
However, Dartmouth has a Physical Education or Wellness Education (PE/WE) requirement for all undergraduate students. The requirement consists of three PE/WE credits, which entails me taking a PE/WE course for three of the terms that I will be on campus at Dartmouth. Students who participate in intercollegiate varsity sports and club programs, the Marching Band, ROTC and certain approved dance groups on campus can earn their credit through these activities and do not need to take additional PE/WE classes.
The list of classes available is extensive, including swimming, skating, snowboarding, yoga, and even sailing during the summer! The classes do include an additional course fee that varies depending on the course. This is where the Office of Physical Education & Recreation together with the Financial Aid Office offer assistance, through a Physical Education Discount for students who receive financial aid at Dartmouth. Students who are receiving a substantial scholarship with a high level of need will receive a 100% discount on the course fee. Students ranging from a low to medium level of need will receive a 50% discount on the course fee. However, for the discount to apply, students must show up for the classes and pass the course, otherwise the full course fee will be charged.
This term I am taking a Zumba class for PE credit! The class meets twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays for a duration of one hour, which is not an inconvenient commitment for me to make. Zumba is a form of fitness that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance, which I have found to be extremely fun and a great way to release academic stress during the week. It's even better because I am taking the class with a few of my friends! This course has been keeping me active in this weather and I am looking forward to taking more PE/WE courses in the coming terms.
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!
