My name is Christian Mays. I'm an Army Reserve Captain in Omaha, NE, and a recent graduate from Creighton University School of Law in May 2025. I never imagined that I would have to ask for assistance from friends and strangers during an emergency like this. I'm always the most prepared and frugal for rainy days, but it's safe to say that 2025 just has not been my year.

While I have celebrated getting an offer to the Army JAG Corps after graduating from Creighton Law in May 2025, I did not pass my first attempt at the UBE bar exam in July 2025 and have been financing for a second attempt in February.

During that time, my car had a transmission failure that cost $6,000 out of my emergency funds and credit cards in June 2025. Just last month, I replaced the brakes for an additional $900.

In between, I would try to balance part-time jobs with DoorDash and Amazon.

While I was employed part-time by the US Army Reserve, my access to the GI Bill was limited compared to active duty service members, and I was ecstatic about getting my student loans resolved by commissioning active duty. Again, all of this is contingent on passing the bar.

The government shutdown has unfortunately forced me to take out of my retirement, and I prayed that I wouldn't have any other emergencies. Unfortunately, my car is essentially totaled after a slippery accident in the middle of Iowa on the eve of my 34th birthday.

As I start to get costs together, I am very limited and now without a car. I'm still trying to keep a positive attitude, but at this point, I am asking if there is anything that people can do to help; it will be greatly appreciated. I was planning on moving back to my family in Detroit as I study this month and right now every dollar can go a long way.

The funds will go to help me with the deductible for my car insurance, moving expenses from Omaha to Detroit (I plan to get a U-Haul and boxes in the coming days), maintaining minimum payments on cards, food, and (hopefully) no further emergencies.