help...

so i'm new to the gaming industry and my friend told me about this website so i thought i would check it out so here i am and i have no idea where to start. i'm in school for graphic arts right now and they gave me all this cool software (i use a mac by the way) like dreamweaver, indesign, and flash. they are really cool and i'm starting to get them down the only one i have had class on is illustrator and that was just like a better paint. what i really want to know is how i get started on the path to making games. i would like to be a lead designer but that will come later right? or can i just jump in. my other question is: i live in cheyenne and i don't think there is anywhere up here where i can do that kinda stuff i mean its wyoming for god sake. so i just wonder if there is anyone else that is in the same or kinda the same place as me because i feel like i'm the only one who doesn't know how to get into this industy. do i have to start with like flash games and stuff or testing maybe and if so where do i need to go? i have the heart and soul for this industry and this is where i have always wanted to be i'm just really lost on where that is if you know what i mean. any help or words of advice are much appreciated thank you