Suggestions for my new friend?

Hi, my name is Gary and I first discovered you and your website when I saw a video of you on YouTube. Ever since, I’ve become a daily reader of your blog. And like you, I am very much interested in the field of technology and computers, as well as the web and internet and will continue down this field in the future.

Anyways, this is not the reason why I e-mailed you. I am still 17 years old and summer is coming up. And, as you may know, next year, I will be graduating to university. This summer, I hope to do some volunteering to improve my reputation before I apply to an university. My question to you is, what recommendations would you suggest I do or volunteer at in order to prepare me for this type of field (computer sciences, web, etc.). A lot of my friends volunteer at schools, hospitals, libraries, but I do not see how this would help me in pursuing a career in technology for the future.

As well, what would you recommend me learn to prepare for this path? For example, python, javascript, etc. Currently, I am playing around with PHP. Thanks for your time. Hope to hear from you soon.