I have considered CGI. I just know at this point I will be dealing with computers in my future career. But I do like your idea of attending conventions. Unfortunately I do not live anywhere near a place that holds such events. However I’m sure there is some people I can talk to when I go back to school next week.
What you need are fellow students who would get excited by the same things you do, and would love to go on a cheap trip and share expenses. That’s the joy of student years. Compare notes. Take video. Volunteer to work for free admission. Make connections. Assume with every person you interact at those things that they’re doing EXACTLY what you want to do. Even if they aren’t. But maybe when you come to understand what they’re each doing, you WILL find the perfect position so that you have a career and not a job for the rest of your life. It’s all in front of you and it’s SO exciting!