What are some ideal paths to directing? (Descriptive)

I'm an aspiring director. I've acted under my high school director for five years and have directed one student-directed show (around 45 minutes), and I'm about to direct my second. I'll be auditioning for a community show as well. I've looked at numerous options path-wise. I've acted numerous times and am being encouraged to direct small shows in my high school.

I'm applying for University this year, a Performance Creation program, and have encouragement to do so, but now I wonder what the ideal path forward is. How do I get the knowledge, experience and efficiency required to become a confident director, to be good enough to direct a full cast? What's the best path to working towards my goal?

I'm not very wealthy, my family is rather poor and so am I, but I'm passionate about what I enjoy and want to achieve, I'm working towards my goals and I'm not going to stop here. Of course, theatre isn't a sure-fire career path that makes a lot of money, if any. If there is a path I can take alongside theatre to give me the means to pay to live, that would certainly be great, but I'm unsure at the moment. I don't know what to do in those 4 years of University (or longer if I extend my studies). I'll be sure to ask lots of questions, but again, there is no sure-fire path. So many things to study, and yet I don't know what exactly would benefit MY theatre path. Julie Taymor practiced the art of mime and puppetry, some study vocals, tech, etc. I'm also aware making connections is important. There are fringe festivals, I do know about those. I know paths in theatre are subjective, but do I just go in and hope effort will pay off while being blind, or is there advice I haven't been given yet, things I haven't thought of or are unaware of?

I'd like to see if I can go above community, but it would be cool to put on a show. I want to get somewhere, and I don't know if taking the program will be more beneficial than shadowing a director. I suppose I would be getting more hands on experience rather than watching someone else work? I'm not sure. I could also try going beyond one performance creation program and study more after that, apply to another program centered around something else theatre related.

I want to be knowledgeable, efficient, experienced, good enough to direct a cast of talented actors, one day maybe even a full ensemble show under a theatre company, and confident with my work. I want to be able to envision a show and have the talent to put it all together and lead it. I want to learn as much as I can. I've only directed a play and it was quite simple. I know that's a lot of wants, but I want to do whatever it takes to get there. I have asked for advice already, though not from a larger group of people, and it's rather embarrassing to ask for more, but why not ask for more perspectives? It would be a waste not to ask for more advice, no? I'm sure I will come across more advice as I go on.

Any advice would be appreciated, thank you for your time.