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
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.”
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.
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
