 In 1939 , Salinger attended a Columbia University School of General Studies evening writing class taught by Whit Burnett , longtime editor of Story magazine . According to Burnett , Salinger did not distinguish himself until a few weeks before the end of the second semester , at which point " he suddenly came to life " and completed three stories . Burnett told Salinger that his stories were skillful and accomplished , accepting " The Young Folks " , a vignette about several aimless youths , for publication in Story . Salinger 's debut short story was published in the magazine 's March – April 1940 issue . Burnett became Salinger 's mentor , and they corresponded for several years . 
