Hi,
hollymb!
I enjoyed reading your post. It sounds like this is an exciting time of exploration for you. You are young and it sounds like you have lots of enthusiasm and potential and I say, "GO FOR IT, GIRL!" I know what you mean about school; about not "slacking off". I thought of school as demanding as a full time job. Sometimes it seemed even more demanding, because with most jobs you just go home at the end of the day and forget it, but with school there is always homework and projects to do at home, too!
Photography is an exciting career. One of my best friends was able to attend photography school in San Francisco and is making a good living as a photographer. I will be praying that the college opportunity opens up for you.
Good luck with your future plans! 
Kathryn