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!
This term I embark on my much-awaited study abroad in Berlin, Germany! The program combines engineering coursework focusing on sustainable engineering with German language and culture.
To get accepted to this program, I wrote an application with the Guarini Institute, which organises all study abroad programs. The application consists of a couple of essays to convey motivation and qualifications. There were specific courses I was required to take before the program, which were a chemistry class (CHEM5) and beginner German (GERM 1). When I applied to Dartmouth, I already knew I wanted to do this program and I am so excited to see how it goes.
While I write this, I have spent a total of three days in Berlin! My first impressions were rain and grey buildings because we, unfortunately, happened to land on a rainy weekend. We started with three days of orientation, where I met all my fellow students and the professors. It was great to see how the program had chosen driven, intelligent and kind students who would work well together.
The first night we went to a "typical" German restaurant which had tons of meat, potatoes and beer. I had schnitzel for the first time and Apfelschorle, a kind of apple soda. I learnt that sparkling water is the norm and that you have to specifically ask for still water!
Schnitzel, mushroom and a lot of potatoes for dinner!
The next morning, we departed on a street art tour to examine the abundant graffiti that marks Berlin. Our tour guide, who was also an artist showed us his work and the most famous graffiti areas in Berlin.
Some of the street art we saw in an alley!
The last day of orientation was the day to meet our host families. The program has students staying with host families, for optimum immersion with the culture and language. I will be living with a couple in South West Berlin, whose children have moved out. Classes start tomorrow and I am so excited for this new experience!
Dartmouth changed my life. A large part of that change comes from the support I have received from professors. Learn more here about some mentor-mentee relationships I have made!
