Hopkins-Nanjing Center Blog

Lauren Barney is a graduate of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center '16 and Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies '17. During her time in Nanjing, Lauren was one of the international student representatives for the HNC's class committee ( 班委) . She is currently a Foreign Affairs Officer with the U.S. Department of State.   This interview is conducted with Lauren Barney in her personal capacity. The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. government, or any of its affiliated agencies. This conversation is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. How did you find yourself at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center? I was studying Chinese and political science at the University of Pittsburgh, and I was searching for a strong graduate program where students could spend time in the PRC. HNC was the perfect opportunity for r...

Ceramics classes have always been a way for me to unwind and get lost in the process of creating something with my own two hands. Upon coming to Nanjing, I wanted to find a new studio and use the experience to branch out into the city. I was lucky enough to experience two sides of ceramics in Nanjing: DIY activities made for a one-time experience, and professional studios of students majoring in ceramics. This blog delves into my personal experiences with ceramics and the community in Nanjing as well as my plans to continue my involvement in the future. Taking a DIY Ceramics Class  To kickstart the studio-finding process, I spent several days searching on 小红书 x iǎo hóng shū (a C hinese equivalent of Instagram) as well as on 百度地图 b ǎidù dìtú (a Chinese equivalent of Google) trying to find a convenient and accessible studio. I quickly learned that experiencing ceramics here is a bit different. Unlike the weekly class packs and set studio hours I’m used to in the United States, many ...