Jen,
Originally I wanted a computer animation path but I ended up in information technology side of things. But mine gets more personal cause my mom was the one who stopped me from that career since she knew individuals that didn’t make much money. I totally understand her concern every parent wants what’s best for their child. So I was disheartened and my dad ended up taking me to a computer store to learn computers at a mom and pop store. I grew my skills from there. I still love drawing etc. But what I’ve learn’t I can always do that on the side.

In terms of gaining a well paying career here are two things you can do.

I would say since graphic design certificate is something you’ve acquired keep it since it would be a waste of time and effort if you throw it all away. Find small gigs or businesses that want your artistic skills. Take your photography skills etc and mesh it with your graphics design capabilities in your resume. There are jobs out there where web developers need people with graphic design skills. I’m quite sure you have a open market available as competitive as it might be. I’d say do something you love either on the side and build it up till you’re making enough to make it a full time job.

Second thing make a list of what you enjoy doing or have a skill set of doing. Now narrow that list down by matching that skill set and list of what you like with different job titles. You might be amazed with what you can relate with in terms of different job titles. Also talk to your counselor at college and share with them that list as an opinion or direction of career they can give you. Also feel free to talk to your teachers and use them as resources for finding jobs or gigs related to graphics design.

I hope this helps. I do have a specific blog from my article that might help and spark the fire for no matter what you do :).
https://seekinglifeandadventure.blogspot.com/2017/01/discipline-consistency-and-mastery-of.html