<p>"As a general rule, I refuse to accept this limitation on me is permanent, merely something that I need to work to fix. But how to fix it? I have four years of college to work on it, but I'm not sure what direction to work in."</p>
<p>As a person who was painfully shy as a child and teen, and who by the time I was in my late thirties, was being described as "inspirational" and "dynamic," my advice is to keep doing what you're doing! You've already accomplished quite a lot -- far more than I had done at your age. In fact, you're where I was at about age 33.</p>
<p>Other things you can do are to take some acting classes. Dive right in! You'll learn a lot that will help you be viewed as charismatic. Some much of being perceived as a good speaker are using good acting techniques.</p>
<p>I don't think that your aim should be being the center of attention in conversations. That actually can be an obnoxious place to be because then one's emphasis is on "me, me, me." Being a good listener and good conversationalist -- facilitating the sharing of the spotlight -- are far better traits to be known for than one who soaks up all of the attention.</p>
<p>Being truly interested in other people also will help you learn to enter conversations more easily. Think about the others and what's interesting about them. Don't focus on yourself.</p>