"Don’t be afraid to try everything even if it doesn’t necessarily ‘align with your set path’ or if you think you are under-qualified — you’d be surprised as to how quickly your path and your goals change as soon as you try out new things and take yourself out of your comfort zone.” From making glass creations and drumming to engineering and art, Jamie Haberman shows you really can do it all if you work hard enough. In her interview, she talks about her passion, inspiration and the product she’s developing to beat stress…

Tell me a little bit about your journey to the Academy? 
I was fortunate to attend a high school that exposed me to classes, electives and clubs that spanned all my niche interests: I was a prefect; I helped out with film festivals and fashion shows; I did robotics and even marketing and design for the theater productions. One day I wanted to be an engineer, another I wanted to be an artist. As a Canadian, I had a hard time finding programs that let me tackle it all, so I began searching for schools in the US. I stumbled upon the USC Iovine and Young Academy on Google searching for "art with technology universities." I read the description for the Academy online and quickly said to myself, "I need to go here, it’s so me!" Shortly afterward, I was walking into the Garage for my first day of class.

Describe a passion project you’re currently working on?
For my Garage Experience, I am currently working with the awesome Suraya Shivji and our team of 8 engineers and designers to bring smart technology into the wellness space with a new product called Mello. Mello is a diffuser for the home that motivates a lifestyle of wellness for its users through a personalized aromatherapy solution. Mello mechanically creates therapeutic blends in real-time based on the user’s changing moods and stress factors. We’re excited to develop this product and are looking forward to seeing what it becomes.

What inspired the project?
We decided to enter the wellness space as we realized that stress is an issue everyone faces on a regular, day-to-day basis. There are so many methods out there for dealing with stress, but these methods are fleeting and require time and effort. We wanted to leverage technology to create a passive and calm wellness product that integrates seamlessly with the users’ lifestyle so that they don’t have to worry about maintaining another routine or taking more time out of their day.

Is there a leader or mentor who inspires you? 
My parents have always been big inspirations for me. My mom is the true definition of a power woman — retiring in early after holding a variety of executive positions. She has shown me that women are capable of anything. My dad persevered to start a global business of his own and has taught me to never give up on my dreams.

Is there an inspirational quote you live by?
"Just Do It." - Nike

What advice would you give to a freshman?
I would tell them to follow their guts and just go for it! Take the courses that interest you, apply for all the jobs that you can and travel as much as you can! Don’t be afraid to try everything even if it doesn’t necessarily "align with your set path" or if you think you are under-qualified — you’d be surprised as to how quickly your path and your goals change as soon as you try out new things and take yourself out of your comfort zone. 

Describe one thing most people don’t know about you?
When I was 13 I won "Glasser of Distinction" at my summer camp. Of all the activities available to use at my camp, I decided to spend each day for two months at the glass shop cutting glass and making glass creations like a checkerboard, jewelry, mugs and platters.

What is one thing your parents taught you that you’d like to share?
My parents have always taught me that if I work hard, I can achieve anything.

What are the essential things you always keep in your backpack? 
My sketchbook, a snack, my laptop, headphones.

Favorite app or website? 
Muzli! A great chrome extension for design inspiration that’s constantly updated and curated to your interests.

Favorite class at USC and why? 
Drumming Proficiency for the Popular Musician at 9 am! This class is the best way to start my day — we sit in a room that has eight electronic drum kits with individual headphones, and we all jam out to pop music.

Favorite way to de-stress?
Listen to music, aromatherapy, hang out with friends. 

Guilty Pleasure?
Watching singing competition auditions on YouTube. 


Thank you, Jamie!

Senior Spotlight: Jamie Haberman