Don’t be afraid of $3k in debt that’s very attainable to pay down with some discipline. There are many that have much more, but it all starts the same. When I first moved out I built up credit by taking a few loans; furniture, tires, etc..I was actually right around where you are.

At the time I made $14/hr, and each paycheck was barely $1000. I managed to save $200/mo and chipped away. It was motivating to get down to $2000, then $1000, going through that helped me realize how quickly things can get out of hand. It was a life lesson learned early.