Happy Birthday to Me

November 4, 2023

The image tells the story…only read if you want to know about student loans and one person’s experience!

The night before my birthday—November 2^nd—Happy Día de Los Muertos!– I found a letter in my mailbox…well, actually two letters. One was from AARP, welcoming me to being old, and these folks are relentless and tracking your birthday—my e-mail box is full of missives extolling the benefits of AARP.

The other letter was from MOHELA, which, if you aren’t in the know, is the Federal Student Loan Agency handling folks who are trying to get their loans forgiven though Public Student Loan Forgiveness, or PSLF for those of us in the know. I am in the know. Aren’t these name great? Sarcasm alert.

Many, many years ago, in the 80’s, I borrowed money to finish my last year of college for complicated reasons. Those loans mushroomed and morphed, and I eventually paid one off with a settlement from a legal case, but the other 5 K or so was hanging, and I mostly paid this loan, until I re-entered school, got an MA, and somehow accrued about 20 K in loans. 25,000.00 is not a ton of money then or now. I have bought 3 cars worth that much or more and paid them off. However, I met a man at school who told me I should consolidate my loans, and so I did. Many years later, after paying over 300.00$ a month, I learned that as a lowly employee of the California State University System, I could qualify for Public Student Loan Forgiveness, but sadly, I had the wrong kind of loans. And so I paid the money every month by direct debit.

I have tried over the years to fix this, spending hours on hold, sending emails, even sending registered letters to no avail. Once I heard the Biden-Harris Administration was going to fix this, I jumped in, filling out forms, getting documentation, doing everything I could do together, but alas, I missed a box on a form asking for my Social Security Number, which I only now know was the reason I was denied. Instead of asking me to correct this error, the agencies sent me 7 emails saying everything was fine. Last month I spent 2 hours on hold only to encounter a person who encouraged me to opt for the paperless option, to enroll in direct debit, and reader, I did, and then to direct me to submit a complaint, which I did…and they printed out the copies of the 7 e-mails saying nothing and denied me again.

To say I was frustrated is an understatement. Think tea kettle boiling and screaming to get more of the picture. Finally, I sent a certified letter with all thorough and due documentation (and 7 by 10 color glossy photographs detailing the “scene of the crime” quote unquote. And crickets. Until November 1, the Day of all Saints, the night before my birthday, when I was simultaneously invited to join AARP (for any youngsters, it’s for old folks), and I learned my loans were forgiven.

Happy Birthday to Me! This was a wonderful gift, and I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for this present.

But seriously, this should not happen to ANYONE and I am totally aware of my privilege in being able to make all the payments that likely meant more than all my heartfelt letters. For my birthday next year, I want a Public Education System that helps people rise and pays the people who work in that system a fair salary.

For me, I have a birthday hike and hangout with the Bus planned for tomorrow, so I have to get to bed.