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!
I can vividly recall being confused about the Dartmouth Housing System and what it entailed. If you are a '27 or any future prospective student, it is not as complicated as it may initially sound. I am here to break it down for you!
Dartmouth follows a house system, which may be appealing to all the Harry Potter enthusiasts out there, except there is no Sorting Hat and it is a randomized software that places you. The six houses are West House, Allen House, South House, School House, North Park House, and East Wheelock House. Students have mixed opinions about the housing system, as it can mean only housing with other students who are in the same house. I personally do not mind the system, which could be because every school I went to before Dartmouth also had a housing system.
Freshmen are assigned to first-year floors where all or most of the residents are freshmen as well. An exception to this is the Living Learning Communities (LLCs), which are residences created to foster a sense of belonging within a certain community. Some of them are: the Native American House, the Chinese Language House, and the Entrepreneurship LLC. However, residency in an LLC is not guaranteed and there is an application to get accepted into these spaces, which will be available in the summer.
Houses are co-led by a Residential Education professional staff member and a House Professor who lives nearby! Each floor is also assigned an Undergraduate Advisor (UGA) who helps foster community, provides support, and makes sure all the residents live cooperatively in the common space they share.
Each House hosts multiple house events throughout the year, which can range from an apple-picking trip to a trip to Six Flags! I belong to West House, which I may have already mentioned multiple times in my previous posts. Every West House trip that I have been a part of has allowed me to take a guest, regardless of their house. The picture above is from the West House ski trip we had this term!
Housing accommodation and adjustments are prioritized by the Office of Residential Life. This may be related to accessibility, medical needs, religious needs, and any such necessity. Before being assigned a dorm and roommates, all freshmen are required to fill out a form that asks for details about their lifestyles. This can include what time you wake up in the morning, if you have any pets, or if you want gender-inclusive housing or not. There will be a space to note any housing accommodations needed. It is beneficial to keep in mind that you may need to provide proof of a medical need. You will also be able to rank your preference for a type of room, which could be a single, double, triple, or quad!
Currently, two terms into my first year, my experience with the housing system has been positive. With all that said, West House Best House!
Through Dartmouth's Guarini Institute for International Study, I am getting to take classes and experience life at Wellesley College, an all-women's school!
