Help Me Go Back to School!

Hi!

My name is Garrett.  I'm planning to go back to school at Rochester Institute of Technology this fall.  I want to major in photography and graphic design.  I discovered my passion after several years of indecision, uncertainity, and angst when I read through a recent issue of Blue Canvas.  The images within left me awestruck and breathless, and I knew right there and then that I want to devote my life to the arts. 

However, there is a problem with the admissions process.  When I was younger, I made a lot of mistakes and I was not prepared for college.  I was immature and irresponsible.  Additionally, I suffered a number of setbacks such as a car accident, Grandpa's death, and bipolar-II disorder misdiagnosed as clinical depression.  Grandpa's passing devastated me completely.  I was shellshocked until I saw the casket at the visitation, then it just went downhill from there.  I stopped caring about classes and my grades.  I pushed people away.  Eventually, I was kicked out of the university for three semesters. 

When I returned to college, I had to pay for classes out of my pocket with help from my family, because I was ineligible for financial aid due to the mistakes I made in the past.  I passed all of my classes, but towards the end, I ran into financial difficulties and I was unable to pay the last installment.  I was so ashamed and disappointed I didn't tell my family, and because I didn't have a job, I couldn't pay.  Out of irresponsibility and shame, I ignored the growing debt since 2010.  It's now at around $2,500.

Now that I'm on the right balance of medications for my bipolar disorder and received counseling for my issues, I'm more ready than ever to go back to school and get my degree this time.  I want to transfer to RIT because they have a photography program that is ranked 3rd nationwide, and moving to New York from Illinois has been a childhood dream of mine, and I need a fresth start.

But the problem is as you guessed it--I can't attend RIT until I pay my old college back and get my transcript.  The National Association for College Admission Counseling has a nationwide policy that bars students from transferring to other institutions unless their debts are paid off.  I have been unable to find a job after all this time.  I'm still hunting for a job, but in the meantime, I would like your help with paying off my debt so I can go to RIT in the fall.  Whatever amount you're able to pledge would be appreciated so much!  I will be eternally grateful to you!!!