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!
A ten-week term flies by fast, and so does my love for a study spot. I am extremely picky about where I work and for how long that particular spot continues working for me. I find the need to switch my study spaces every week if not every day. Every place has a different kind of energy and I love exploring every one of them.
After studying in one spot for more than a week, I find myself physically unable to work efficiently in that place anymore. While this may not sound like a sustainable practice, Dartmouth has so many study spots that I have been able to find new ones whenever I needed to! The Collis Centre has many rooms, which I make use of when I want my own space to study. The Rauner Special Collections Library provides me with a quiet space that also has a beautiful view. The Irving Institute spaces put me in the most productive mood. These are just a few examples of the places I rotate between.
The Collis Centre on one snowy day
The library motivates me to do my work, seeing all the students being productive. However, it can get too intimidating for me at times. When that happens, I move to a place where I feel more at peace. Sometimes, this is the First Generation Office, with free snacks, beverages and a homely feel. At other times, it is One Wheelock, which is a space in the Collis Centre that has warm lighting and a coffee machine. When none of those places work for me, I return to my room and work there.
The Tower Room at the top of Baker Library!
This is just my personal take on study spots. I know many people who find one place that works for them and then continue working there the whole term. Everyone's experience is different. If you are worried that Dartmouth as a whole does not seem like a study space that would work for you, know that within Dartmouth there is a myriad of places exuding different energies that cater to everyone's unique tastes!
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!
Academics can be challenging at Dartmouth. But there are lots of groups across campus here to support you through your academic journey. Read on for my experience asking for help and a few organizations that might be helpful to you!
