Hopkins met his future wife while traveling in Beijing during the summer of 2004. Shortly after returning to China in the Fall, he began teaching English at a private international preschool on the eastern outskirts of Beijing.
Unforeseeably at the time, Hopkins was embarking on a journey of self-discovery while adapting to a new culture, language, and work experience. He never imagined that his teaching job would turn into a career.
The change of scenery was liberating for Hopkins after living in the warehouse district of downtown LA for over a decade. He also felt released from the driving rigors of a "freeway flier" while working and teaching in Southern California. Now he enjoys the daily benefits of walking and using Beijing's public transit, which also includes public bicycles!