In the book "Can't Wait to Get to Heaven" by Fannie Flagg, the story touches on the experiences of Elner Shimfissle, who had participated in an oral history class at a community college. This class was taught by a mentor figure, providing an enriching environment for students to explore storytelling and the importance of preserving personal histories.

Elner attended this class along with her friend Irene Goodnight, showcasing the camaraderie and shared interests among friends. Their participation in the class reflects the themes of community, friendship, and the significance of learning from one another, which are prevalent throughout Flagg's work.