I've been working minimum wage and going to school for a while. Honestly, all I really have to worry about is staying afloat just enough to pay for my electrolysis and therapy, while getting decent grades. I'm very lucky to be the oldest daughter of the most compassionate, liberal man of a compassionate, liberal family of San Francisco natives (who are also incredibly wealthy), so I've just always had the assurance that "things are taken care of" as long as I put out effort and get good marks in school. When my dad died last month he left me a generous portion that's more than enough to pay for extensive FFS and the rest of my electro (you would be surprised how little it dulls the pain of losing him - which is not at all).
Now, if I were you, and I'm not, but if I was (and I could very easily not have been born into such fortunate circumstances, I was always prepared for the worst before I told my family), I would do everything in my power to restore my credit. I would also be very attractive if I were you, so I'd get a clerical job. Depending on where you live and how well you sell yourself, you can get anywhere from $14 to $20 an hour just doing secretarial work. Then, I would TELL MY FAMILY. Believe me, not telling your family as soon as you were aware of the issue not only discredits you and makes you seem like you don't trust them, but it just gives them less time to adjust and potentially become allies in your cause.
Tell them, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid to cry. Don't be afraid to be afraid. Let them know just how much this means to you. Appeal to their hearts, and then they'll be more willing to open their wallets. Also, if they're having a hard time, take them to see your therapist with you. As many times as they're willing and able (assuming you have a good therapist - I have a superb one, but that could just be my luck again.)
Hope this helps, lovely.
~ BB
