Yang Long Tan Alumni Profile: A Home Away from Home

What led you to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center? What made you choose the HNC?

After several undergraduate study-abroad programs in Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou, I knew that I wanted to spend part of graduate school in China. I initially applied in late-2019 and was able to travel to Nanjing for a tour of the campus, which I really enjoyed.

I was drawn to the program because of how unique it was. First, the program is taught entirely in Chinese but targeted at international students. From a content perspective, Chinese professors are teaching topics on international relations that are of interest to international students. These factors allow one to learn Chinese perspectives in the Chinese language, an important way to study China. In contrast, other degree programs in China for international students are typically taught in English. 

Furthermore, HNC students come from various parts of the world and the programme is designed such that all students have to live, eat, and breathe together in one place. This creates a very close-knit community, where people from different backgrounds learn to interact, co-exist and form deeper and meaningful relationships with one another. If an American student has to learn how to negotiate with a Chinese student (i.e., their roommate) in Chinese/English on when to use the bathroom every day, surely there is no global cross-cultural challenge that cannot be overcome!

You completed most of your Certificate-MAIR degree without coming to campus in Nanjing due to Covid travel restrictions. How was this experience, and what allowed you to stay connected to the HNC community? I heard you were able to visit campus multiple times since graduation!

I was a student with the HNC for the 2022-2023 academic year, but didn’t come to campus until late in my second semester (June 2023). I spent the first semester based in Taipei. At that time, China hadn’t opened its borders fully, and many international students chose to be based in Taipei while taking HNC classes online. It was different from we would have experienced at HNC, and while the experience was useful, most of us were eager to travel to Nanjing as soon as possible.

Getting to China, however, posed a significant challenge. At that time, the process involved complicated visa applications, COVID tests, and even extended quarantine. Hence, for my second semester, due to the ongoing uncertainties of travelling to China, I took up an internship with Brunswick Group, a global strategic communications consultancy, in Dubai. I was also enrolled in four classes, and did a capstone project, while interning full-time. Needless to say, it was a fulfilling but exhausting experience — imagine waking up early for class at 4am due to the time difference and then going to work once class ended around 7.30am.

While in Dubai, I followed the situation in China closely, and was hoping China could open its borders sooner rather than later. To recap, I had been trying to visit China since I applied for this programme in late-2019. I felt that my experience as a HNC student, and my education on China, would not be complete without being at the HNC in-person.

In February 2023, I went to the China visa application center in Dubai to apply for a Chinese tourist visa, but they informed me that I could only apply in my home country (Singapore). [Note: Typically, Singapore and China have a visa exemption arrangement. However, this was suspended during the pandemic.] Unfortunately, I had no plans to return to Singapore just to apply for a visa. So, I reached out to then-HNC Chinese Co-Director Cong Cong as a last resort and asked if she could help. Miraculously, she found a way to do so, which involved an extensive chain of “guanxi”, and some luck of course, and she successfully facilitated the process for me to secure a 30-day visa!

I immediately booked my plane tickets to Nanjing and arrived 12 days before my graduation ceremony at the HNC. Even when I was in the air, I refused to believe I could enter China until I crossed the border in Shanghai. Thankfully, I had no troubles entering and travelling to Nanjing! I was able to finally meet professors and classmates in-person whom I had only known online. The 12 days felt like a whirlwind, as I tried to pack a year’s worth of missed experiences into 12 days. I forged many deep friendships and got a real sense of what being a student at the HNC in-person was like. I found a wonderful school community that I could call a home away from home, and when I was leaving campus after graduation, I felt sadness at having to leave this chapter behind.

Since then, I’ve returned to the HNC multiple times as an alumnus. Beyond staying connected with the community, part of me still hopes to make up for the “lost time” in China. I usually dovetail every China trip with a visit to a new city, and to the HNC. Each visit feels significant because I get to know more people at the HNC and reconnect with old friends and professors, while continuing my journey of learning about China. Most recently, I attended a HNC classmate’s wedding in Changshu city. Serendipitously, we know each other well only because of the 12 days I got to spend at the HNC. Till today, I have a deep sense of connection and appreciation for the center and its community, and appreciate very much that alumni are warmly welcomed back.

What was the most impactful class you took during your time with HNC?

There were two classes that had a significant impact on me:

First, Chinese Government and Politics with Professor Qilingling, who is no longer teaching at the HNC. This course offered a Chinese perspective on China’s political system, one that you cannot get from English or Western media sources. We had engaging discussions on myriad topics, such as how the understanding and design of democracy is different from country to country, as well as an introduction to the roles of the party, state, and civil society in China.

Second, Islamic Fundamentalism with Professor Caijiahe (also no longer teaching at the HNC). This course covered various fundamentalist movements, trends, and groups around the world, including topics like the rise and fall of ISIS, terrorism in Southeast Asia, and the foundations of extremist ideologies. It gave me a valuable Chinese perspective on these issues, including understanding China’s unique security concerns and needs.

If you were involved in any extracurricular activities, could you please tell us about that?

The HNC organized a trek to Singapore and Vietnam in my first semester, and which I participated in and helped facilitate some of the program elements. I was able to play host to classmates in Singapore, and when we visited Vietnam, it was my Vietnamese classmate’s turn. I was even able to meet some of the International and Chinese students on this trip for the first time in-person. My favorite part of the trip was taking a boat ride along the Mekong river, as we discussed the interconnectedness of China and Southeast Asia.

Was there a defining experience at the HNC that influenced steps you later took in your career or

plan to take?

My three key takeaways from my time at the HNC are as follows:

• A deeper understanding of International Relations.
• A more nuanced insight into China.
• A broader understanding of other regions such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

First and foremost, the HNC sparked my deep interest in International Relations and made me realize that this was something I wanted to pursue for a significant part of my career. I was excited by global affairs, including technological developments, climate change, and US-China relations and knew I wanted to work on these issues. When I started my professional career, I quickly recognized how much the HNC had contributed to my understanding of these global issues. The program provided invaluable diverse perspectives on these topics, sharpened my thinking, and reminded me that there are many perspectives that we need to listen to. The pressing work of shaping a more stable and peaceful world begins with learning to understand perspectives outside of your own.

The HNC gave me a deeper understanding of China—its long history, complex government structures, and its views of the world. These were perspectives I hadn't received enough of during my English-language education and which will always be invaluable in my career. Moreover, my time at the HNC helped me gain a broader understanding of other regions. I gained more insight into Southeast Asia, particularly from a Chinese perspective, and got to know the Middle East better through the experiences and knowledge of classmates, professors, and coursework. I remember doing a class presentation on China-Middle East relations in the first semester, and then in the next semester, I was tasked by Brunswick Group to give a presentation to the entire office on the China brokered Saudi-Iran deal that had just stunned everyone in the region. Thank goodness the HNC prepared me well.

What advice would you give to current or future HNC students about maximizing their experience at HNC and launching their careers after SAIS?

While you’re at the HNC, don’t lose sight of the learning experience. For me, it was not only about trying to achieve excellence by getting A’s or doing perfect assignments; it was more about pursuing self-growth and maximizing the opportunities for personal and professional development. For example, professors offer office hours regularly. Even on days when I didn’t have specific questions on my assignments, I’d go and chat with them on broader topics. These conversations were always valuable—it helped sharpen my thinking and gave me new perspectives on various issues. When it came to assignments, it was always tempting to take the easier route, like translating readings directly into English, especially when the workload piled up. However, I did my best to remind myself constantly that every shortcut I took was a missed opportunity to learn and stretch. To the extent that your mental and physical well-being permits, I encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and explore experiences, assignments, or topics that are new and unfamiliar. Real growth often comes from taking the harder path in a way that is sustainable for yourself.

Finally, use your time at the HNC to understand yourself. Be intentional about seeking greater self-understanding—academically, professionally and personally. This is a time where you can make mistakes with little consequence, make radical choices with a spirit of experimentation, and make lifelong friendships with much to gain. Use the experience at the HNC to discover new interests and uncover new things about yourself, including what you’re good at and where you can improve in. You will eventually rely on that self-awareness to guide your career choices and the industries you want to enter, as well as in your personal life. There will inevitably be obstacles/realities you have to confront in the outside world, but internal clarity is always a reliable compass and source of strength no matter where you go. 

Professional Correspondence Workshop

Towards the end of the fall semester, Hailey McGleam, our SAIS Global Careers Manager, engaged the HNC community in a workshop about “Professional Correspondence” regarding the etiquette of professional communication, emails and cover letters. We spent an hour laughing, questioning our history of correspondence, and learning how to improve our professional communication skills. 

This Blog highlights important communication skills discussed in depth from one of our career related seminars.

Regardless of who we are, a professional, current SAIS student or candidate, or a reader randomly browsing through the HNC blog page, we all have our fair share of mishaps in our deliberations. Perhaps you spelled someone’s name wrong on an email exchange; sent an AI inspired correspondence that made you sound more poetic than you are; or contacted the wrong professor (with the right name) telling him how much you love his class (which they do not teach). It happens to us all. Hailey knew this and came prepared with various examples to help us gain a bit more insight on how to regard our professional correspondence. Let’s review a few important points:

1. Address your letter to a specific person; be factual and concise; and do your research.

Reaching out to a specific person is a lot less scary than a faceless mega corporation. Professionals are busy, so your chances of extracting value from any interactions increase substantially with them knowing you are not trying to waste any time. Be clear in what you wish to gain from connecting with someone, and demonstrate your knowledge by avoiding any questions that could be answered by a simple google search. 

2. Give examples that support your skills and qualifications

This tip relates more towards creating cover letters. You have very little space to demonstrate your potential value, so think carefully on how to integrate skills and qualifications that fit their needs into the letter. Show off how awesome you are! Don't make it difficult for employers to see how many checks you fill in their boxes.

3. Salute with official title and Last Name (IE Dr. Webb)

Imagine you spend years pursuing a degree, studying and researching over hundreds of sleepless nights... just for a random person that wants something from you to completely undermine that work. Yea, I could understand if they don't respond, so take the time to confirm their official title to be on the safe side.

4. Triple check you have spelled their names right

I personally only respond to the name my parent's gave me, so it would make sense if others ignored me for disregarding proper spelling. Especially in the age of copy and paste, so even if a name has fancy accent marks, you should make the effort to even quadruple check! 

5.Do not casually include the words “emergency” or “urgent”

Under most circumstances there is no emergency that warrants their immediate attention from someone outside of their work organization. Reach out calmly and well before any possible deadlines in which you would need them, and hopefully they respond in a timely manner. Do not cause any unnecessary stress.

6. Do not ever use the subject line as the demand of the email, with no body text

It is common courtesy and professional to give a general heads up about what your email is about in the subject, and then quickly ease the reader into why you reached out and what you would like from them in the body text. 

 

7. Emails should not come across as text messages to a friend

Avoid abbreviations such as "jk" and "tysm". Emails should be written out in plain and professional English that even Shakespeare would be proud of (if adjusted for language evolution of course). If reaching out in another language, first make sure it is the official language the company or institution operates in and do your due diligence that you are using appropriate and professional-grade vocabulary.

8. Ask, don’t demand

You are reaching out to someone that could possibly help you in a myriad of ways or toss your application to the side, so try your best to write in a kind tone and ask politely for what you wish to gain from said person. 

Have you ever made any of the mistakes included above or others? I, for one, used to add exclamation marks and smiley faces to soften my tone in emails. But I’ve realized symbols are not always universal signs of kindness. Precise and detailed communication result in more positive impressions than random exclamation marks. Communication is an honest endeavor. It can reveal many things about our character. Thus, it is an art that we can always continue to improve.

By Kelany De La Cruz MAIS' 26 & Carlos Vicente Sanchez Paz MAIR' 26

Susan Wang Alumni Profile: Communication is Key

 Susan Wang is a graduate of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center Certificate in Chinese and American Studies '16. She currently resides in both Oakland, California and Boulder, Colorado, working as a Solutions Architect for LanguageLine Solutions. 

How did you become interested in China and what drew you to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center?

My parents, especially my Dad, were always extremely supportive with my studies, and suggested I declare linguistics at the University of Colorado-Boulder. My undergraduate majors were Chinese & Linguistics, and I studied abroad in 2009 at Peking University for a year during a post-Olympics Beijing. A year later, I interned with 100+ American college students at the US Pavilion in the 2010 World Expo: Shanghai. A few months after undergrad, I ended up teaching Mandarin at Fairview High, which also happens to be where I attended high school. Over the next three years I worked to bring stability and structure back into the Chinese program there, but as the third year approached I realized a career shift might be needed.

What drew me to the HNC in 2015 were several friends who went through the program. "If my friends could do it, so could I", I thought. During my teaching career (’12-’15) I had intense imposter syndrome. I was very self-critical about the Chinese program I was managing and was convinced I could not handle the intensity of a graduate school program. When the e-mail came through notifying acceptance into the program I honestly was surprised. What did they see in me? It was then I realized I needed to work on NOT feeling like an imposter and though it took years to overcome, my POV/mindset is a lot healthier. I ended up at the HNC program in 2015 and the year after I drove out in my ’98 Subaru Outback to Monterey, CA to pursue a Master’s in Translation and Localization.

What are some of your favorite HNC memories?

 A) HNC annual events brought students and faculty together. Notably, Quinn Campbell and I emceed the Mid-Autumn Talent Show/Festival. We learned the choreography for Uptown Funk at the 11th hour. It really was down to the wire, just a couple hours before the event, but we pulled it off! It was fun engaging everybody on that yangtai and getting to see a lot of talented classmates showcase their musical talents, singing and comedic skills.

B) Halloween! That year The Banwei/Harry Potter houses initiated a pumpkin-carving contest. Through the magic of Taobao we acquired a decent of amount of pumpkins, but they weren’t the large pumpkins in a pumpkin patch. They were so tiny, but everyone got quite creative. One classmate managed to carve out the Totoro holding a leaf. Many participated and for many students, it was their first pumpkin carving.

C) One of my classmates Brendan Melchiorri initiated Hogwarts houses to unite students and faculty year-round. It was a herculean effort, and he managed it pretty much all on his own. He made WeChat groups, organized events year-round for all the houses. Initially, I was very skeptical, but I ended up participating (in Ravenclaw) and it brought so many people (students & faculty) together. Around 85-90% of us participated.

D) Placing third in the Dragon Boat competition was also amazing. We kind of went viral at the time. I don't think anyone expected us to win anything, and we also didn't expect anything either, just wanted to have fun, but we ended up placing third! I still have a photo framed in my office of the team receiving the trophy.

E) Madeline Albright visited campus. In the days leading up to graduation, HNC hosted a Q&A session with the former Secretary of State. It was such a pleasure to hear Albright share her experiences with us. I remember our career advisor passing me the mic to ask the LAST question before the talk was over. I was able to ask the importance of women in government (foreign service) and whether that remains relevant in 2015. To this day I still remember Albright’s response of, “That is a great question and yes, remains an important one.” She further dived into the importance and impact of women in the workforce and especially in diplomacy. It felt incredibly validating, and I will admit, the fan girl inside me was beyond the moon. I was beaming.

And to wrap up, F) Commencement Day. Prior to the ceremony, a group of us went hiking in Zijinshan. At the top was a lake and well, we all jumped in! We spent a couple hours there cooling off as the Nanjing summer heat approached. I don't know how sanitary that was, but it was so much fun. We all got to do something together one final time. It was one last hoorah before departing the HNC. 

Tell us a bit more about your career and your current role. How did you find yourself in your current position, or any of the roles you've had in the past? Did you always want to work in localization, translation?

Before my current role at LanguageLine as a full-time solutions architect, I did four years of contract work since 2020 starting with Apple. I was living in Oakland, CA at the time and then after a year, I was offered a contract role at Square, also known as Block. These roles exposed me to a lot of localization program & project management styles. I collaborated with multiple teams across the world managing and scaling language content for different products across 20+ global markets.

That's been the last four years for me. COVID -19 impacted everyone. When half of my team at the SF startup was laid off in early 2020, it was initially devastating, sudden and unexpected. But, during the Lunar New Year my Aunt kindly reminded me, "You are not a tree. You can uproot and survive. So, keep on surviving." I took those words to heart and set out to survive. During the height of the pandemic, I both freelanced and worked at Trader Joe's in Oakland. After six months, opportunity came knocking in the form of contract work at Apple's DCM team (Digital Content Management). I felt surprised and relieved thinking to myself, “Guess my localization career isn't over yet.” Anytime I come across people who experienced a recent lay off or termination, I share my experiences hoping that it can resonate. Layoffs are brutal and it takes a lot of time and compassion to navigate these feelings. You are essentially mourning one's livelihood. It's an aspect of career growth or career challenges we as a society are talking way more openly about.

The majority of my roles, whether contract or full-time, were secured through the added benefit of networking, including my current position at LanguageLine. Many ask me, “How do you get past the application process and secure interviews?” The answer is to be resourceful. Work smarter and not harder. Really embrace networking and strengthening your connections with people. You never know who you meet along the way that can help make an impact on your career trajectory.

How do you use Chinese in your current position or other skills you gained while studying at the HNC?

In my current role at LanguageLine I would say knowing Chinese is helpful when consulting implementation solutions for clients. Many companies need to localize website platform, documentation and marketing campaigns into multiple languages, especially Simplified & Traditional Chinese. Having language insight and walking clients through best practices is beneficial. Not everyone has language insight and assumes translation is fast and easy, but there’s more steps in the process to ensure accuracy and quality. Language skills are helpful interacting with others to build intercultural communication. When you speak to people in their mother tongue, they might not be as guarded or self-conscious. It does impress others, but more importantly it helps bridge the gap between non-native English speakers and monolingual colleagues. Building those bridges and being authentic, sincere, and empathetic are crucial with navigating through any career.

A key takeaway I learned from the HNC/graduate school is balancing impulse control. Ask yourself, “How do you respond to a situation, and what solutions and steps are you or your team going to take to remedy things and find ways out?” Setting and aligning expectations was also something I took away from the HNC. Graduate school re-solidified the concept of setting the tone for myself, setting expectations for a team to be successful. It's important to set expectations, and not just wish for something. What are some steps to do to make a process easier or more streamlined? In a group project, it's important to make sure everyone is aligned with the goal and be very clear with intention and communication. These kinds of skills will be important for your time at the HNC and beyond.

What is one piece of advice you have for current or future HNC students?

A major takeaway for HNC students is knowing how to interact with people face to face and not being shy about having a conversation. Communication is key. Don't think you're imposing, don't assume, don't hesitate to ask questions and stay curious. In addition, balancing and observing your own bandwidth. Think about your exertion, your mental health and bandwidth, whether you've used too much energy or the right amount. Finally, find opportunities to make yourself feel more confident and comfortable. If you're not feeling comfortable about your Chinese skills or other skills, you have agency to do something about it. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, find ways to help yourself and make yourself feel empowered. This also applies to your time overall at the HNC. If you start to notice certain behaviors, patterns or even processes that aren't helpful to your cohort, be proactive and respond. Advocate for yourself and others. Unite people and find authentic ways of connections. Over the last few years, I've learned that fostering a "planting the seed" mentality of bringing people together versus staging manicured gatherings can be more impactful. Create an environment that's inviting, where people can be themselves.  It could be a spur of the moment invitation, like having a coffee, lunch at the tangbao shop down the street with classmates or rallying people to go for a hike at Zijingshan last minute. Find moments to take a break for yourself! Your mental bandwidth and overall health are key to success!

Lauren Barney Alumni Profile: HNC was the Perfect Opportunity

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 rigorous study in Mandarin with great support that only a 50-50 joint venture partnership can provide.

Can you tell us about how you ended up at your current role as a Foreign Affairs officer at the State Department?

Like every career, my career has been a winding road thus far. I pivoted to Chinese-linguist analyst work after my internship at the State Department. I was recruited back to the Department to focus on Sino-Middle Eastern relations and worked to find a permanent position within the Department. I am currently a Foreign Affairs Officer in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs covering transnational economic issues and the Indo-Pacific Strategy.

How did you develop your interest in Sino-Iranian relations?

At the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, I took Professor Cai Jiahe’s class on the PRC’s foreign policy and Islamic fundamentalism and noticed the disconnect between the PRC’s and United States’ understandings of the Middle East. My background learning Hebrew and visiting the Middle East from a young age drove me to use my unique skill set and expand that skill set in my career. I started to learn Farsi and Arabic as well. I hope to apply my language skills and expertise as I continue in my career.

How often do you use Chinese in your current position or other skills you gained while studying at the HNC?

I have used my Chinese language skills throughout my career including when interacting with Chinese interlocutors and conducting research as needed from Chinese sources.

Any advice you would give to current or future HNC students about the type of work you currently do as a diplomat and as a specialist in Sino-Iranian relations?

Take advantage of being in the PRC and get out into the community in Nanjing. In-country experience is invaluable and arguably more important than what you learn in the classroom. It might take a while to feel comfortable seeking these opportunities, but you can do it!

Creativity Through Ceramics

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 xiǎo hóng shū (a Chinese equivalent of Instagram) as well as on 百度地图 bǎidù 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 people in China approach creative activities like pottery, dance, or DIY crafts in a much more flexible way. According to my Chinese friends, most Chinese people book a one-time class whenever the mood strikes, signing up through apps like 大众点评 dàzhòng diǎnpíng, which makes finding DIY classes easy and accessible. 

I decided to try it out for myself, purchasing a single ceramics class through 大众点评 dàzhòng diǎnpíng for 113 yuan (about $16) — which is very affordable compared to classes in the US. The class also did not require any rigid scheduling. Once purchased, it was valid for up to 90 days, so I was able to drop by whenever was convenient!  

Unlike the pottery studios I frequent back home which are typically located in community centers, this ceramics store was in the kids' section of a shopping mall, with lots of cute, bright glazes and specific character-focused painting options. Despite being the only adult there without kids, no one seemed to mind, and I felt free to dive into the experience. I noticed that the staff were mostly throwing the pots for everyone, but I was insistent on giving it a try myself.  The teacher was very helpful, and we talked about how the throwing methods and equipment at the store were different from what I had previously experienced in America. For example, the store used porcelain clay, which is more water-absorbent and a bit trickier to work with than the clay I usually handle. I had trouble building up the walls of my pot because I accidentally thinned it out too much, and I eventually was left with a pot about half the size of the clay I had started with.  

Once my pot was somewhat stable, I moved on to trimming, and, thanks to my previous experience, I was able to do it myself while the teachers helped others. I most enjoyed the painting experience. Typically, I dip my pieces for color back home, but here they had a rainbow of slips, and many smaller brushes, so I was encouraged to experiment! I sketched koi fish and lily pads in pencil on my pot before painting over them with a clay-based slip. It was a new technique for me, and I enjoyed the creative freedom it offered (though my painting skills are very limited).

In total, the experience took about 2.5 hours— around the same amount of time I’d usually spend at my studio back home. However, there were some differences. I noticed they used a tool that looked like a hairdryer to speed up the drying process, which initially made me a bit nervous since I worried about cracking. But when I asked the teachers, they explained that they use quick-dry clay, and the machine was a special clay dryer designed to avoid cracks. Since this type of pottery experience is a one-time event for most people, it’s structured to be completed in a single day. I liked this setup because I could take home my piece just a week after it had been fired in the kiln. 

I loved the experience of trying ceramics in a new way and bringing home a piece of art. That said, I was still on the hunt for a studio to work on longer-term projects and maybe dive a little deeper into the craft.  

Visiting a Ceramics Studio at Nanjing University of the Arts 

While the one-time DIY class offered a playful introduction to how most Chinese people interact with pottery, my visit to Nanjing University of the Arts provided a more structured look at ceramics study in China. One of my friends at the HNC heard that I was interested in learning more about ceramics and mentioned that her friend at Nanjing University of the Arts is a ceramics major. She asked him if we could visit his studio and look around. To my excitement, he said yes, and I was able to explore their studio! 

The Nanjing University of the Arts has an incredible ceramics studio in a huge warehouse. There is plenty of equipment, materials, and the space is open late for students working on their art projects. My new friend explained that the ceramics classes focus on using traditional mediums, and students also study the history of different art forms such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, and calligraphy. He brought us over to the wheels and let me try my hand at making a pot. The equipment was very familiar, with a large table for wedging clay, huge sinks, rows of wheels, and a room full of kilns. The space definitely felt similar to my studio back in the US.  

My new friend gave me a large piece of clay and I started trying to center it on the wheel to begin the process of making a bowl. The red clay they used was also different from the less water-absorbent gray clay I am used to, and I initially had some trouble handling it. I asked some of the students for help, and they explained that I was using too much pressure and water. Working more gently with clay is something I need to practice! It was really cool to see what techniques the students were learning in their college-level ceramics class. Even when the walls of my pot kept collapsing, my new friends gave me more clay and encouraged me to keep trying. Though I did not end up finishing a pot, I had a ton of fun! 

After cleaning up the workspace, we explored the exhibition room next to the studio, and I was able to learn more about the different types of ceramics styles, both traditional and abstract, that teachers and students were exploring in their coursework. I also got to see the different materials used, including special minerals and glazes, and checked out the many different types of traditional Chinese geometric patterns and natural scenes that students drew and painted on their works. After the tour, my new friends invited me to come back to their studio and try again, and I hope to do so soon! The studio is not open to the public for courses, which emphasizes how the middle ground between professional study of ceramics and a one-time experience is difficult to find in China. I am grateful for the kindness of my new friends for letting me try to find this happy medium. 

Future Plans 

Both of these experiences so far have really helped me keep in touch with my creative side while studying at HNC. In addition to honing my pottery skills, I am eager to delve deeper into the history and techniques unique to Chinese ceramics. I hope to learn more about different regional styles and visit Jingdezhen, one of China’s ceramics hubs that my HNC classmates recommend traveling to. I am excited to keep practicing my Mandarin while exploring Nanjing through ceramics! 

Written by Hannah Bases MAIS'26

Meet The Fall 2024 Banwei

The Sumerians of Ancient Mesopotamia established the first well documented government in human history, as they systematically ruled over their city-states with kings and religious leaders. Over 4500 years later we see a world organized by government entities from top to bottom, and educational institutions are no exception. So, what does this look like at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center? This blog introduces how student governance works at the HNC and the current student leaders in office.

Orientation is a whirlwind of new information, but an exciting time as you get to know your classmates, professors, and staff. Halfway through orientation elections are held for the positions of 班委 (Bān wěi). This position roughly translates to class committee, which is made up of four members who act as student representatives that meet with the administration. Their main roles are the planning of student events, tackling of any student issues which may arise, and relaying crucial information from the administration to current students. The 班委 lead by example as pillars of the community, and take initiative in bringing together the community. It is a prestigious position that comes with advantages such as private meetings with guest speakers and visitors and having information on upcoming events well in advance. 

The Voting Process

Each student falls under one of four categories: International Male, International Female, Chinese Male, Chinese Female. Students who wish to run must compete against others within their own category that also wish to run. 

You can only run for the position if nominated, either self-nominated or nominated by another student in which one may accept or deny that nomination. 

Each student who is nominated and wishes to run gets up to three minutes to deliver a speech to their classmates in either Mandarin or English (some choose both!). 

Majority votes through an anonymous participant survey grants you office as 班委.

Elections are held bi-annually at the start of each semester, and multiple terms are allowed. 

Meet Your Current 班委！

Female International Student Representative: 葛文娜 Gé wénnà (Gentle & Elegant) Savannah Glaves 

Where are you from? Easton, Kansas

What are some of your interests? I tend to spend most of my time playing video games and doing puzzles. I also have a tendency to pursue random hobbies, like crocheting and coloring, but then drop them for extended periods of time before returning to them when I’m not bombarded by school activities. I also love to engage in popular culture from other cultures, with one of my main ones being Korean pop music—my MAIS thesis is actually about soft power and Chinese popular culture!

What Inspired you to run? I decided to run for banwei after seeing the community they helped create last year. They were able to create what felt like a family even while crossing cultural boundaries. I wanted to help in creating that community as well, as it made me feel like I had made some of the closest friends in my life. I also really like planning events that help us—especially the Americans—feel more at home, like Halloween and Christmas.

Which fictional character is most like you? I’d have to say one of the characters I resonate most with is Kirby, which seems pretty on par for me with my love for video games. If anyone knows anything about Kirby, he inhales pretty much everything and absorbs their knowledge to be able to use their abilities. I wouldn’t say I can do that exactly, but I do have an extremely good memory and absorb lots of knowledge. My classmates have also probably seen how much Kirby stuff I have: a hat, socks, sweater, hoodie, pajama pants, card holder. There’s probably some stuff I’m forgetting as well. I also tend to say one-worded phrases like “meh,” or “bwah” (that’s the top two lately) which have absolutely no meaning to them, which reminds me of Kirby’s “Poyo.”

Male Chinese Student Representative: 吴泽凯 Wú Zékǎi (Favor & Triumph)

Where are you from? I am from Changnin district in Shanghai

What are some of your interests? I have a series of interests such as: military, modeling, reading, and badminton. All in addition to what I am learning now at the HNC in International Relations.

What Inspired you to run? I was a monitor of my university in the past. Additionally I really enjoy helping others. 

Which fictional character is most like you? Hathaway in Gundam

Female Chinese Student Representative: 刘柏松 Liú Bǎisōng (Cypress and Pine trees)

Where are you from? I come from Heilongjiang province, the northernmost province in China. It has four distinct seasons, among which I love winter most.
What are some of your interests? For me, I admire the pine trees with snow and ice, and also enjoy the smell of the cold wind in winter. I like paper books, not just for reading, but also the feeling of the materials. That brings me inner peace whenever I am frustrated. Going on adventures is also one of my favorite pursuits. This means trying new things and meeting new people. 

What Inspired you to run? All these adventures offer me the opportunity to find who I really am. That is one of the primary reasons why I ran for banwei. No one is an isolated island. Being helpful and caring about others, I felt like that is the mission of my life. I always motivate myself to experience new and difficult things, to test who I really am, what I truly want. Also, the students here are from different life stories, and I always try to have broader horizons of my life and world. I really appreciate the chance of being banwei and working together with brilliant people to make this community better. 

Which fictional character is most like you? Maybe I will describe myself as the Kung Fu Panda. I was encouraged by that movie in some special period in my life, so I hope I can focus on my issues and fight, until the end of my life.

Male International Student Representative: 沈皓君 Shěn Hàojūn 

(Bright & Monarch) Carlos Vicente Sanchez Paz 

Where are you from? I am from Quibdó, Colombia but have lived in New York City for a long time.

What are some of your interests? I love learning languages and art history, playing basketball and chess, and singing and dancing.

What Inspired you to run? I’ve always been very outgoing, and love being involved in my community. At first, I felt I might be stretching myself thin adding all these new responsibilities, but then I thought “Why not me” and so I wrote a speech and gave it my best shot. Plus it would be cool to call my mom afterwards and tell her I won an election. (She was ecstatic)

Which fictional character is most like you? Zoolander’s son from Zoolander 2.

Written by Carlos Vicente Sanchez Paz HNC Certificate + SAIS MAIR'26