<p>I applaud you for your hard work thus far. Many students (including myself) do not understand what it is like to have to support oneself throughout college.</p>
<p>Most engineering internships are paid, and you should be able to find an internship that will pay you more than you are earning at your current position. While it is advantageous to have completed internships in college, I would imagine an employer would understand if due to your financial situation you were not able to.</p>