And the mentor aspect is what I'm missing right now. So, I have planned to contribute to open source and/or apply to GSOC '17.
Any other ideas how to find suitable mentors?
I'm sure others will have better advice than i do about finding mentors. In my case my first CTO out of school was a major impact. I should also say that mentors may not be above you, but peers. Even in college i became close friends with other developers who, collectively, influenced one another with our learnings and opinions. A rising tide raises all ships, as it were.