[ndesaulniers]

Don't give up! There will always be hope until you yourself abandon it. Don't ever be ashamed about not having a degree; I'm ashamed that I've learned more about programming from a few good books than my overpriced education! You may not think that you have much, but you've already been given everything you need to succeed in life. Don't be ashamed of what you don't know, be eager to learn it. Don't expect anyone but you to change your situation. The first job in a desired field is always the hardest to get because of little to no experience. Don't be afraid to try something in a similar field than the one you intended; you may find you like it better, or it may give you the experience to get your foot in the door in the intended field. Thank you for posting this, and I'll pray that you find a way out of this. You can do it!