Hello! I am new here, and trying to gain a handle on my debt (thanks to all who gave my credit cards my first year of college!!!)

My credit is really bad, collection agencies call all the time. I'm due a nice fat raise at the first of the year, and want to start improving things.

My first step was to consolidate my student loans, and my payment is now around $90 per month. I have around $15,000 in additional debt (in collections), and have no idea how to begin repaying. These people terrify me.
Any ideas? I don't want to go on and on here, but will provide more info on request. Thanks so much!

M.