This is my first attempt at circuitry, and writing code.
This is an extremely advanced project and certainly not recommended for a beginner.
However, any project should be taken in small steps.
In this case, an important step is to learn how to properly wire, power and control an actuator. These are power hungry components that will cause power problems for the rest of the circuit. Make sure that the actuator works perfectly, in the actual control application, before attempting to add anything else.
By the way, relays are not a good choice for controlling an actuator. Use a motor driver capable of handling the actuator stall current. Pololu has a good selection.