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 Windy City in October truly is a sight to see. My first time in Chicago, I was astounded by how beautiful the city is! I did not have an image of Chicago in my head; I had not even considered what it may look like. We stayed right in the heart of Downtown Chicago, and I loved experiencing city life for a few days!
A glimpse of downtown Chicago!
TheSociety of Women Engineers (SWE) is an international non-profit organization, the world's largest advocate for women in engineering. The annual SWE conference was held in Chicago, Illinois, and ten members of theDartmouth SWE group traveled there to attend!
The conference was held over three days, with the career fair being the first two days and talks happening all three days! More than 20,000+ students attended this conference. This is the first time I have seen this many women in one place, let alone women engineers. It was truly inspiring and intimidating at the same time!
The keynote speaker at the conference with all the women engineers in attendance!
The career fair exhibitors ranged across all engineering disciplines, some with more than ten representatives present to speak to students. Some of them had more than an hour-long wait in line as there were so many students who wanted to speak to the companies. I personally loved speaking to the companies with smaller booths; the exhibitors were extremely welcoming and kind, even after speaking to thousands of students in one day. I spoke to so many companies that I would not have even been aware of if I hadn't attended the SWE conference! It was amazing to see how many were involved in the renewable energy space.
I am so grateful to the leaders of the SWE chapter at Dartmouth for organizing this event and securing funding for all of us women engineers! Join Dartmouth SWEmeetings held on Wednesday at 5:30 pm!
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!
Every Dartmouth student is required to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Here's my experience navigating the language requirement!
