In this flagship series, we’re highlighting graduating University of Iowa students who have woven writing into their academic journeys across disciplines.
Today we are featuring Jaden Limondin, a Screenwriting and Cinema student graduating with a BA from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Screenwriting). Jaden is originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He's written many scripts (film and TV) with the department here, mostly crime/thriller. He's also done a number of small short films in classes.
In a few short sentences, tell us how writing impacted your time here at the University of Iowa?
Writing allowed me to express myself and make friends. It was a way to connect with other writers and have many opportunities to work with people from across disciplines. It was the one constant of classes, whether it was creative or analytical, and in doing so I not only bettered my capabilities at writing but also thinking through problems. Being workshops also helped see how other people saw the world.
What was one of your favorite classes or activities related to writing?
My Television Writing class was probably my favorite. It was mostly workshop structure, so every week you got to read other great ideas and attempts at writing a pilot. Not only was it fascinating to see the breadth of genres and ideas coming to the table, it was a great way to learn about your own writing via others.
What advice would you give to incoming students about writing at Iowa?
To do a lot of it. You only get better at writing by constantly doing it. Don’t leave a project to languish just because it served its purpose for the semester. Revisit it. Redraft it. Work it and you’ll be surprised how much you’ve learned. Also, talk to your professors. They know a lot and want to help.
What are your plans for post-graduation? Any projects, continued studies, or exciting work news we can share?
I plan on continuing my writing (specifically a script I’ve worked on with professors directly) to hopefully break into the very competitive industry that is screenwriting.