Thank a Teacher, Change Your Life
The extraordinary letter I received from my high school English teacher.
When I received news that I had an offer on my debut novel, one of the first people I thought of was Mrs. Jelnick, my high school senior English teacher.
I pictured myself tentatively approaching her after class one day and asking if she could read a short story of mine inspired by William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury. Quentin’s section, delivered in a stream-of-consciousness monologue, had activated my brain into action.
I had no idea if it was any good. And I desperately needed to know if something so creatively invigorating actually worked as fiction. The only person I trusted to tell me the truth was Mrs. Jelnick.
She had told me she would be happy to read it, and few days later, with her trademark warmth and smile, told me it did. I had written a few stories before, but never anything like this. Her affirmation made me feel like a real writer. It was a moment that changed my life.
Since the day I knew I’d become a published author, I longed to express my appreciation to her. Last month, I finally got my wish when my friend (thanks Sailu!) tracked down Mrs. Jelnick’s email and shared it with me. I wrote and thanked her, and a few weeks later, I heard back.
With Mrs. Jelnick’s permission to share, here is what she said.
I SOOO remember you—which is notable, given the number of years I taught and the number of writers I have coached, but your adorable face and intellectual energy are absolutely lodged in my memory.
For my birthday, my husband typically joins me for a bookstore shopping and dinner with good wine (all vital sustenance for me.) He buys me as many books as I want. Yesterday was my 64th and I bought your Dava Shastri’s Last Day. Started it this morning, and I love it! I would so like to talk with you about it when I finish my reading.
Kirthana, your words regarding my place in your literary journey mean so much to me. Thank you for them.
I retired five years ago and have been working as an editor and writing coach ever since—for young writers and older writers, as well. I am currently juggling one historical novel, a collection of poems, and a memoir.
I am happy and healthy.
The timing of your correspondence and the generosity of your words were all I needed: a birthday gift I could never have imagined might happen!
There is so much in this letter that awes me. Not just that she remembers me, or that she chose my debut novel as her birthday treat1 and is reading it—and we’re going to meet over Zoom to catch up and discuss.
It’s that she is reading a book that arguably would have never existed it if she hadn’t encouraged me and my writing all those years ago.
And how wonderful is it that Mrs. Jelnick is retired and yet she is still devoting herself to teaching? To consider the countless students she has helped reminds me of my sister, who has been a first-grade teacher for over twenty years.
One of the most special things I’ve ever seen is my sister’s run-ins with her former students. It’s incredible to watch these students she knew as little girls approach her as young women. And they do so with such fondness and gratitude, with some of them now teachers themselves.
All of this has been such an important reminder that how we treat people can have a ripple effect that spans years or decades.
It might seem obvious. But how often are we consciously thinking about this? We are all capable of having a life-changing impact on someone else without even realizing it. Often by simply showing up, affirming someone and making them feel seen.
Teachers do this all the time. We’ve each had at least one who changed our lives, and if you are able, I highly recommend letting them know. You’ll never regret taking the time to find a teacher who was a force of good in your life, or your children’s lives, and saying “thank you.” It’s the very least we can do, after all they do for us.
And now, a moment of pure silliness
Free Happiness was originally created to provide something quick and cheerful to brighten your day. And after listening to the Strong Songs podcast episode about my all-time favorite karaoke song, “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” I was reminded of one of my go-to serotonin boosts: this video whose lyrics literally describe what happens in the bonkers music video.
Whether you’ve seen the original “Total Eclipse” music video or not, you’re in for a treat watching this parody video. Sample lyric: “I walk out onto a terrace where I think I’m alone/but Arthur Fonzarelli’s got an army of clones (Fonzi’s been cloned!).”
Summer reading recs🏖️
If you’re seeking your next beach read, check out this 2025 Summer Reads catalog!
and I teamed up to create a catalog showcasing 20 novels written by Authorstackers—authors who have Substacks—that are out this year. You can find the catalog here.And if you’re interested in writing/publishing, here are some recent Authorstacker posts worth checking out!
Thanks for reading this far! And wishing you a good week ahead. ☀️
Also, how sweet is this annual birthday ritual? Mr. Jelnick is a real keeper.
I love this! She must be so proud!
A few years back I was able to send a note to one of those teachers who changed my life and encouraged me to write and create. It was amazing to hear back from him, and that he remembered me. I think it is SO important to tell people they helped you/thank them.
(also, listening to the Total Eclipse podcast that you shared) :)