Rochelle Leinwand was my 10th grade English teacher at Sheepshead Bay High School in 1970. Mrs. Leinwand brought a love for writing and literature to her classroom and instilled it in us.
At that time, I found creative writing difficult. Mrs. Leinwand showed me how to just let my thoughts and feelings flow to the paper. Mrs. Leinwand was a friend whom I will never forget.
As an adult, I write constantly and have been the one my fellow educators, friends, and family turn to for writing points. I followed in Mrs. Leinwand's steps and became a teacher myself.
There are so many teachers I remember who have influenced my life while growing up in Brooklyn. Mrs. Allen from P.S. 194, the love of reading, Mr. Alweis from Marine Park JHS, a love for history, and Mr. Winkler also from Marine Park transferred his love for Earth Science right to his students.
I am fortunate to be a teacher in the NYC Public School System and hope that some day my own students will remember something I did to shape their lives.
-Jessica Platt Jacobs
Sheepshead Bay H.S., Class of 1973
Marine Park J.H.S., Class of 1970
P.S. 194K, Class of 1967