I am writing to express a long, long, belated thank you to my first grade teacher, Sister Mary Carolita Turzinski. I was her student for one year in 1958-59 at Good Shepard. She was sweet, compassionate, and an excellent instructor. I remember clinging to her every word and learning so much. Sister also made me feel important, almost like the class star. I remember her telling the class that they should “read with expression, like Laurel.” When my mother was late picking me up from school, Sister invited me to wait inside the convent. I felt so special. My mother also was asked to drive Sister and a group of nuns somewhere–I can no longer remember where–but I went along for the ride and was thrilled to be allowed to be in such close company with the Sisters. During our little class Annunciation play, Sister invited me to play Virgin Mary. What an honor! I doubt Sister remembers any of this given her long career, but I want her to know how important it was to me. I am proud to say that decades later, I am a Phi Beta Kappa graduate with an MA in English from U of I/Chicago. I have also been a successful graphic designer, illustrator, and published writer (the Chicago Reader, medical publications, short stories, creative nonfiction, and entertainment journalism). Today I teach at a small private university in Southern California and run their tutoring services. Thank you, Sister Carolita, for launching me in a positive direction!
–Laurie
