Future Contribution to the Libre Comunity

Hi users.

I have FINALLY transitioned into running ONLY free software and have been doing so for at least six months.
My life has changed because of this and I wish it could have only happened sooner. Although my computing was through Microsoft for ten years of my life, I am glad that it was so long because now I truly recognize and appreciate what I have gained through GNU/Linux.

Desktop: old HP tower running Parabola GNU/Linux (not free hardware, unfortunately, but this was where I began transition from windoze to Mint -- to get a feel-- , then to Parabola GNU/Linux: which I LOVE since it can be so high maintenance, allowing me to really dig deep into learning how the system works.)

Laptop: thinkpad x200 (from ministry freedom) running Trisquel GNU/Linux. (my very first true libre experience :D )

I also have have been building up my programming skills for about a year when time permits. I learn/practice during my free-time, thus this is a hobby.

I have decided to go back to school and pursue education in Computer Engineering and plan to do so for as long as possible. (Preferably a P.H.D).

As of now, I don't exactly know what I want to get into since CS Engineering branches into many different areas of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, but at some point I am sure my area of focus will be found and I hope the further I progress with my knowledge of GNU/Linux, the more of an influence it will have on my decision.

So, I am wondering how I could contribute to the community as my education in this field progresses.
I can see how this could be a vague question, so please ask questions.