You kind of already answered your own question . . .
However, the other alternative is moving closer to the 4 year school, which depending on its size and the nature of the area around it may offer more long term and widespread opportunities.
Also, remember there is a limited window where you can go out into the world, and if you fall, your parents are obligated to take you back AND you won't feel uncomfortable still living with them. Unless you have a slight case of hard-to-leave-the-nest syndrome
Take good care . . . and have you thought of writing your online story into an actual short story or novel?