Paid in Full

Dear Bennington College (and by default Vermont Student Assistance Corporation):

I wasn't planning on writing you a letter, but sometimes it seems the easiest way to convey emotions without a long, drawn-out discussion. And given the way you've treated me in the past I didn't think it would be wise to call.

The one thing that always kept us together in the past was money. I know, I know. You'll say that your loaning me money was never meant to be a power ploy, or a way to exercise control over me, but as I've learned over the last nearly 11 years, it doesn't mean that my feelings will change.

When I dropped my final payment of $87.84 in the mail to you today, and realized that I'd erased that $22,000 debt, not only did I feel this incredible weight off my shoulders, but I also felt like maybe now I could actually move on. I wouldn't have to be reminded every month about our relationship. I could actually dwell on only the good memories.

Don't get me wrong. I know we'll always be in each other's lives, and you taught me so much about being the person I've become today, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'm happy not needing to be reminded of the role you played in my life for so long.

Maybe now that money is no longer part of the equation, we can actually be friends. I'm being honest when I say I'd like that in the future. Right now, however, I just need a little time to mull things over and get used to these changes. (And you know me, that means I need to have a few drinks!).

I hope you understand. I'll be in touch soon.

Love,
Mikel

p.s. It's true that I paid some of this off by selling porn on eBay. I just wanted to let you know. I didn't want you to have to try and figure out if the rumors were true. I wanted you to hear it from me directly.