When adding a hood you also want to make sure that you don't have too many filters on your lens because you can get a vignetting effect that results in a final photo that has dark corners. Given that you're young and just about to enter college I would recommend getting into a school with a good photography program. As you learn about photography during your college years you will notice gradual improvement in your shots and technique. Also, if you are in a good program the chances of meeting established photographers will be better. The contacts that you can make during internships will be extremely valuable as you start your career.
Wildlife photography is an extremely rewarding, but competitive, field.
Even if you are extremely good you will still face some rejection from magazines and other publishers. There are quite a few photographers already established that publishers know well and continue to work with. Establishing yourself can be a lengthy process, sometimes taking many years. Don't let this discourage you, though. Being able to work and do something that you love can't be measured in dollars.