I never imagined that the weeks after graduating from university would look like this.

Graduation was supposed to mark the beginning of a new chapter. I was excited about the future and hopeful about finally starting my career. But just two days after graduating, my grandfather passed away. In the middle of grieving, I've been helping my family with funeral planning and trying to support the people I love during a time none of us were prepared for.

As if that wasn't enough, that same week, my dog (Little) was hit by a car. We spent a week doing everything we could to save her leg, hoping she would recover. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to amputate it. Watching her go through that has been incredibly difficult, but I'm grateful she's still with us and learning how to adapt.

While trying to process everything (woo, welcome to adulting is what I'm being told), I'm also waiting to hear if I'll be approved for a full-time position at the job I've been working toward. In the midst of all this uncertainty, my car's transmission went out. I commute an hour each day for work, and losing reliable transportation has added even more stress during an already overwhelming time.

I don't normally ask for help, and honestly, writing this is difficult. I know everyone is going through their own struggles, but these past few weeks have brought more than I could have anticipated. Between funeral expenses, veterinary bills, transportation costs, and simply trying to stay afloat while waiting for more stability, I've found myself needing support.

If you're able to donate, share this fundraiser, or simply keep my family and me in your thoughts, I would be deeply grateful. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, helps lighten the weight of the back-to-back bad luck streak I have going on and reminds me that I don't have to face it alone.

The main goal of this fundraiser is to help me repair my car so I can continue making my hour-long commute to work and maintain some bit of stability while I navigate this difficult chapter. After Little's emergency care completely drained the small savings I had built up from my internship, reliable transportation has become more important than ever while I wait to hear about a full-time position.

Any remaining funds will go toward Little's veterinary bills, medications, ongoing treatments, and paying off the expenses from her amputation. I would spend every penny all over again to give her the best chance possible, and I'm grateful that she's still with us and recovering. Every bit of support helps us both get back on our feet—well, in Little's case, her remaining three paws.