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!
Two decades sounds old. Maybe it's better to just say twenty years old. This month marks the second birthday I have spent at Dartmouth, away from my family and home.
Celebrating a special occasion away from everything I know can be challenging. Birthdays mean a lot for my family, especially milestone ones. We cook special dishes and invite people over. Even though they are not here, they always try their best to make me feel better about not being at home.
To celebrate, I had a birthday dinner at Base Camp, a Nepali restaurant in the town. It is known for having the spiciest food in the area! Naturally, I had to make sure all my friends picked a decent spice level. A level ten at Base Camp is known to make even someone with a high spice tolerance sweat. I always go with level six or seven. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, and the owners are extremely nice.
In the afternoon, I went to a thrift store nearby for a little bit of birthday shopping. There are many thrift stores a short drive away from campus. I have found so many great jackets and shoes there.
Upperclassmen are allowed to bring cars to campus, which is extremely convenient to get away from the campus. While I cannot drive, I have many friends who do drive.
I have loved spending my birthdays in Hanover, New Hampshire. The important thing is surrounding yourself with the best people, who will make sure you have the best day.
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!
