Pi Beta Phi - University of Southern California

3 J amie Gelman '20 was born and raised in New York City, so when she moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California, it was a big jump. Fortunately, USC was the perfect school for her, especially in terms of its academic opportunities. When Jamie decided to go through sorority recruitment, Pi Beta Phi immediately became her top choice. "In Pi Phi, I had the most candid, effortless and real conversations than at any other house. e ladies were interesting in their own rights, while also genuinely interested in my passions and opinions," Jamie said. Jamie is happy to create California Gamma's recruitment video each year. While it is time- consuming, the process makes her proud to be a Pi Phi. She enjoys compiling videos, photos and audio from the members that display how accomplished, charismatic and worldly her sisters are. While Jamie loves the video production, her real passion is music. As a music industry major at the ornton School of Music, she hopes to ultimately pursue a songwriting career. She is interested in the business side of the industry and would also consider a creative position at a label. Jamie has gotten a head start on her career by becoming involved in the industry. As a songwriter, producer and pianist, she has worked hard to create five songs that are available on all streaming platforms. Her latest internships include Mike Caren's Artist Publishing Group; DJ/Producer Steve Aoki's Dim Mak Records; and Fortune Forty Under Forty Artist Manager Binta Niambi Brown's Omalily Projects. She is also the co-vice president of writing and copy for USC's lifestyle and culture magazine, SPEC. Jamie encourages other undergraduates to get involved in anything they are hesitant about trying, joining or starting. "Were it not for my active involvement on campus, and for my active utilization of the wide network and incredible resources at USC, I would not have had any of the invaluable experiences I have had in the past three years." During this time, Jamie has made many special memories as an Pi Phi. One of her simple yet beautiful memories is visiting the Trojan Farmers Market that USC hosts every Wednesday on McCarthy Quad. "Every Wednesday during our freshman year, my best friend (and fellow Pi Phi), Belis and I would meet on the quad, grab some fresh strawberries, hummus, a baguette, or whatever else looked good that day, and people-watch together on the grass." Jamie met her best friend, Belis Saran '20, before her freshman year on the Class of 2023 Facebook group. As Jamie is from New York and Belis from Istanbul, Turkey, they knew nothing about each other but quickly bonded through social media and decided they would room together during True Friendships and Involvement Jamie Gelman Shares How She Pursues Her Dream their freshman year. e women have become inseparable since — even despite being long distance during the pandemic — thanks to their forever Pi Phi bond. "When COVID-19 hit in March of our freshman year, it was a rude awakening for us. Belis had to head back to Istanbul and I back to New York, with 5,000 miles between us and a whopping seven-hour time difference," Jamie said. "e Sincere Friendship we had fostered over the eight months of living together helped us sustain the distance and time we were apart." You can connect with Jamie at jgelman@usc.edu or visit her website at www.jamiegelman.com to learn more about her! Jamie Gelman '20 and Belis Saran '20 in Joshua Tree, California. Make Your Contribution Online Giving back to California Gamma is easier than ever! Pi Phi donors can make electronic check or credit card contributions online by visiting https://contributions.omegafi.com/ contributions/product/1479-piphi-ca-gamma. What could be easier? You can also donate to Cal Gamma via the enclosed pledge card. And if you haven't purchased a brick yet, you may do so online at: https://contributions.omegafi. com/contributions/product/1511- pi-beta-phi-usc-brick. ank you, Angels! ank you, Angels! Connect with California Gamma Chapter Website usc.pibetaphi.org Chapter Facebook USC Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Facebook Pi Beta Phi Cal Gamma Alumni Chapter Instagram @uscpiphi - f f i

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