I'm sorry about the whole ordeal, and I'm glad you're not allowing it to weigh you down.
I too had a similar experience some years ago, and I know how it often comes with the feeling of being left behind. Over the years, I've come to realize that life is exactly linear and that we all operate at different frequencies.
It's never too late, and I know you'll eventually fulfill your dream of going to university.

And I must also commend you for finding the courage to write about this. I don't think it would've been easy.