“This Case Is Closed”

by Lorien E. Menhennett

Dear LORIEN MENHENNETT,

This email is in reference to your inquiry regarding your credit appeal. Your case number is #XXXX-XXXX. Retain this number for your reference.

Your Credit Appeal has been processed and this case is closed. Your case has been <APPROVED >.

Those words came in an e-mail this morning from the U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid office. My struggle to finance medical school has been so tumultuous. So when I read such nonchalant words, sent by a customer service rep named Maria at 9:14 a.m. EST, I had to reread the words several times before this realization sunk in: I’m going to medical school. Not “if my loan gets approved.” The loan just got approved. There is nothing left standing in my way. What a feeling.