Iris Yamashita - 2019 UCLA Extension Certificate Graduation Ceremony

Iris Yamashita earned a bachelor's degree in bioengineering and a master's degree in mechanical engineering and was working at a software company when she realized her true passion was writing. She started taking writing courses at UCLA Extension's Writers' Program. With the tools and confidence she gained at UCLA Extension, she began entering writing contests, which led her to landing representation at powerhouse agency, CAA.

A few years later, Iris won the opportunity to write the screenplay for the Clint Eastwood film, "Letters to Iwo Jima," which landed her a Best Original Screenplay Oscar nomination, which was remarkable for a debut work.

Iris returned to UCLA Extension to address the class of 2019 to tell her story and and inspire the audience with the words "You are your greatest asset. Only you can light your own path to where you want to be." It was a truly inspiring moment that underscores the enduring message we at UCLA Extension continue to espouse: it's never too late to start over, it's never too late to remake your life.

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