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!
The First Year Summer Enrichment Program is a month-long orientation for first-generation, low-income students. It is facilitated by the First Generation Office, FGO, which supports all first-generation students for their time at Dartmouth. The office also provide a space where anyone can study, with multiple study rooms, snacks and drinks! I have spent countless hours at the FGO hanging out and studying with friends.
Being first-generation and low-income among many students who come from starkly different backgrounds can become overwhelming. Orientation week would have been stressful and challenging, had I not attended FYSEP. I had an amazing community to support me through the most difficult first few weeks at Dartmouth.
International students also have the daunting challenge of settling in an entirely different country. I packed up my entire life into a suitcase and moved away from everything familiar to me. The homesickness started to set in two weeks into my time transitioning to Dartmouth. However, FYSEP allowed me time to process a part of my emotions and learn how to overcome them.
The program facilitates three classes, in a four-week simulation of a Dartmouth term, allowing students to visualise the experience ahead of time. The classes focus on academic writing, STEM, and learning about important college resources. Students live in the McLaughlin cluster, on four floors. FYSEP accepts around ninety students every year into their program!
Working for this program as a staff member has only reaffirmed my belief that FYSEP is of the utmost importance for students. Attending FYSEP made my first-year experience an incredible one. I hope this post convinces all of you prospective first-generation and low-income students to apply to the program!
Most students have to go back to college after Thanksgiving to take their finals, but not at Dartmouth! We have a six-week winter break, known as "winterim!" Let me tell you how I spent my winterim!
As a second-year at Dartmouth, I've embraced leadership roles that foster community, creativity, and support! Here's a look at how each role has shaped my journey.
