I want to become a certified mechanic; any advice on schools, things a should be doing etc?

I'm a 20 year old college student who has finally found his calling: cars. I've been lost as to my destination after college, so I've been floundering in school. Now I finally know what I want to be, and I'm starting to take the pre-requisites to join the automotive technology program. I hope to get an Associates degree in auto tech. However, I have very little extracurricular knowledge of automobiles, besides having owned a '94 Chevy Blazer that was in the shop more then on the road.Any advice from experienced mechanics?I want to become a certified mechanic; any advice on schools, things a should be doing etc?
Community college