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!
Most stores are closed on Sundays in Berlin; trains run less frequently, and people sleep in. I did not know what to do with my first few Sundays on my study abroad program. Yet, as the weeks went by, I started to appreciate the Sunday reset that all Berliners observe. Sundays are for quiet and reflection. To me, Sundays in Berlin were for flea markets!
Berlin has countless flea markets spread across the city. The first one I visited was the flea market at Mauerpark on my first Sunday in Berlin. It was raining, and I got drenched, so it was not the best experience, but it was a great introduction! The Mauerpark flea market is one of the biggest; you would need at least two hours to walk through all the stalls. They also have a street food section, with cuisine from all over the world. I purchased a leather wallet from India.
After many Sundays, I found my favorite flea market at Fehrbelliner Platz. Just around half an hour from my house on the U-Bahn, this market has two parts. One part has all sorts of antiques, books, CDs, ornaments, and furniture. The other portion has clothes. I found some lovely items in the first section. On my first day there, I went with some friends, and we bought rings—which were priced at 7 euros for five rings!
On a solo trip there, I found a brown leather jacket for 10 euros, a beautifully painted butter dish for my mother, and a porcelain elephant. This specific flea market is bargain-friendly. The prices are low, and every vendor is willing to bargain with you! I returned one last time before I left Berlin and got an antique set of coasters made when Berlin was still divided. Exploring these places on a slow Sunday morning in Berlin was so wonderful.
The set of coasters I bought!
The study abroad program also gave us a Berlin-wide ticket that is valid for all public transportation, making it so easy to travel and see places like these awesome flea markets whenever I wanted to!
Learn about the different programs Dartmouth offers prospective students to explore campus life, learn about Dartmouth, and enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to Hanover!
As an international student, I was hesitant to join Greek Life, but I found a welcoming community. Now, as a junior, I hope to help others find their place too.
This is my fifth term at Dartmouth! Read on to learn more about how my low-income background has played a significant role in my transition to Dartmouth over the past year
