Mustafa Abdul-Hamid
Class of:
2010
Current Occupation/Field of Work:
Founder at EVE (an augmented reality software start-up)
Professional Basketball Player
Master's Candidate for International Policy Studies at Stanford University (prospective, Fall 2014-2016)
Work Experience
Founder, EVE: Enhanced Visual Experiences — 2012–Present
EVE is an augmented reality (AR) software designer that produces interactive programs for smart glasses. We use AR technology to enhance athletic training, physical training, physical education, and sports gaming experiences.
Professional Basketball Player, Various International Teams — 2010-2014
Hemofarm (Serbia), Lille Metropole (France), Krka Novo Mesto (Slovenia), and EWE Baskets (Germany), BC Hoops (Lebanon), Artland Dragons (Germany)
Asst. to the Supervisor’s Staff, LA County Board of Supervisors 3rd District — 2011
Intern, LA County Board of Supervisors 3rd District — 2008 (3 months)
Intern, LA Mayoral Office of Housing and Economic Development — 2007 (3 Months)
Why did you choose Comm Studies as your major?
I was always wary of being stifled by formal education. As empowering as academia can be, it can also disconnect you from reality. Comm Studies has a mandate to do quite the opposite. The discipline is dedicated to exploring, facilitating, and mastering connection between individuals, communities, and societies. Communications is so relevant to broad and diverse endeavors--professional and personal--that I knew it was a good fit for my life and my goals.
Favorite UCLA memory and/or professor
Each professor in the department affected me in a different way, and their relative influences were compounding and can't be individuated. I'm grateful for all of my professors and the department staff, and hope that I can honor their work as educators.
How has Comm Studies empowered you in your professional and personal life?
Comm Studies enabled me to be a media literate, particular in regard to political communication. It also enhanced my ability to be empathetic. The latter is probably what I value most, and the bedrock upon which I define real intelligence.
What was the most valuable or applicable lesson you learned from a Comm Studies class?
Comm taught me that everything is communication. Where, how, and when you speak are significant. Whether intentional or not every action carries a message. We should be very aware of the messages we send and listen well to those that we are receiving.
