Getting into the video game industry

Hello my name is Jordan Nelmes, and I am a freshman in college. I extremely interested in getting involved in the gaming industry. Video games have always been something that I have been passionate about since day one. But I have no idea how to get involved. I am interested in story boarding and character concept design. I have no connections with anyone within the gaming industry and I just don't know what to do. What is the best way that I can learn more about the industry and create relationships with people who work within the industry so that maybe I can pursue my dream and be involved in it too?