Jenn Hu

Jenn Hu is a senior majoring in International Relations. She spoke with us about her keen interest in U.S.-China relations, which she has explored through her IR degree, involvement in FACES and her continuing studies as a Schwarzman Scholars at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Jenn’s spotlight is part of our Senior Spotlight Series, highlighting outstanding seniors graduating with degrees in I.R. 

What has been the most fulfilling part of studying IR at Stanford? 

The most fulfilling part for me, by far, was joining the Forum for American/Chinese Exchange at Stanford (FACES). I joined during my freshman year after coming across their booth at the International Engagement Fair. My experience at FACES demonstrated to me the importance of people-to-people relationships in international relations. Throughout my time at FACES, I've organized multiple on-campus events to engage with issues in U.S.-China affairs, an annual summit that brought delegates all around the world to Stanford to view U.S.-China relations from varying perspectives, and a one-unit student-initiated class to introduce interested freshmen to different facets of the relationship. During my time in China as part of the Freeman Spogli Institute's China Studies in Beijing Program, then VP of Finance, Catherine Baron, and I embarked on a grand expedition to visit FACES chapters in four universities across Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing. Catherine wrote a poignant and beautiful reflection of our journey and here is a particular paragraph especially resonates with me: 

"Yet, for all our perceived differences, I have come to realize how universal my feelings and experiences were. Across the vast stretch of the Pacific, we share the same ups and downs, the same hopes and anxieties, and the same longing for a brighter future. That the strength of relations between the two biggest global economies rests on personal relationships between this generation of young leaders, and beyond."

Even though my time at FACES was intellectually stimulating and exciting, it is the friends and the memories that I have made along the way that will stick with me after graduation and beyond. 

What advice would you give students deciding their major/interested in IR? 

I chose IR for its interdisciplinary nature - I wasn't satisfied being put in only one box. I love history, international policy, political science, and it was so difficult to choose one. The flexibility of IR not only allowed me to pursue these different interests, it also gave me the tools to view a problem from many different perspectives. If you are interested in IR, be sure to try out some of the core classes and decide if you enjoy the breadth of the major, as it is certainly not for everybody. 

How has your IR experience shaped your future, if applicable?

My experience in IR has driven me to continue my journey in U.S.-China relations. I will be joining the class of 2022 Schwarzman Scholars in a one-year master's program at Tsinghua University in Beijing and I hope to bring along my lessons in diversity, interdisciplinary study, and people-to-people relationships with me as I begin this new chapter of my life.