How to grow in photography?

I'm 16 and one of my hobbies is photography. I have a nikon D3000 and i've been messing around with it and photoshop for about a year not and I've found out how to do some really cool things, but does anyone have any suggestions for growing in my photography skills?

You could step away from typical teen photography. You could look for a club somewhere where you can get real feedback.

-If you don't know how to use Manual mode,.etc then I'd learn it ;
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/switch-to-manual-mode

-Learn composition, to make your photos pleasing to the eye ; http://www.digital-photography-school.com/digital-photography-composition-tips

-Practice! There are a few things that you must learn yourself ; what looks good and what doesn't, angles, what others like.etc

-Get critiqued! Post photos on Flickr, then ask a question like "Critique my photostream" on YA! Then, add a few photos you unsure of to a photography critiquing group on Flickr.

-Make sure your photos are interesting, evoke an emotion.etc and aren't cliche.

-Get creative! Maybe turn on some music and walk around for some ideas. Try following photography challenges ; http://www.digital-photography-school.com/7-photography-projects-to-jumpstart-your-creativity

Firstly, photoshopping shouldn't be the way to go… Unless it is to improve an image…

secondly, have you bothered to learn the photography basics and improved your use of them?