Hey everyone, my name’s James. I applied for the MTA back in January, took the test in March, and I’ve been going through this long hiring process since around June. I’m finally at the very last step — my final processing and fingerprints are next week, and training officially starts Sunday, November 16th.

This whole process has been intense. I’ve gone through several medical holds, started on beta blockers, sleep with a CPAP machine, and had to see doctors twice a week for months. Every time I thought I was cleared, another note or letter would be missing, and I’d get delayed again. I had to go to MTA medical every other week just to stay in the process. I was originally supposed to start training two months ago, and I had enough money saved to get me through — but after all the delays, I’m down to my last $300.

Now my food stamps got cut, and next month I won’t be receiving any benefits. My rent is only $25 through Section 8, so I’m not asking for rent help — I just need a little support to get through the next five weeks until my first MTA paycheck hits.

I’ve also got my 2-year-old dog who’s been my emotional support through everything, especially while I was taking care of my mom during her cancer treatments. I left my last job to take care of her full-time for the last five months of her life, and even through that, I stayed committed to the MTA process. She was the one pushing me to go for a pension career, and I just wish she were here to see me finally make it.

On top of surviving training, I need to have my uniform ready. The MTA provides us uniforms once we graduate, but I need to bring my own to start. I already have a pair of cargo pants, a pair of boots, and 2 shirts, but having an extra pair of cargo pants and an extra shirt will help me stay clean throughout training.

I’m not asking for handouts — the only time I ever did was when my mom passed, to help cover her funeral costs. Anyone who knows me knows I’ve been on this journey for a while now, trying to turn my life around. I bounced around trucking jobs the last couple of years, just trying to find where I belong — and I finally found it with the MTA. This isn’t just about money; it’s about stability, structure, and a real chance at a new life.

I set my goal at $1,000, which realistically covers the basics for the next five weeks:

• Gas: $70 per fill-up × 2–3 fill-ups, plus driving to fingerprints and early workdays = $200

• Food & Groceries: homemade meals, plus money for lunch in case I don’t bring a meal one day = $500

• Dog care: food, treats, and supplies = $150

• Uniform items: extra shirt and cargo pants = $100

• Daily living / emergency buffer: personal care, small household expenses, unexpected costs = $50

I’m not trying to push any weight on anyone — I’m just trying to survive this last stretch until my first paycheck. Anything helps, even just sharing this post. Thank you to everyone who’s supported me and believed in me along the way.