Very great to hear such a happy story. As for the people that put you down... well that's just the tip of age racist. At this point I know a few 22 year olds that still act like a 12 year old if only. Age is irrelevant but its that the mental maturity is what counts. Thats How I look at it.

As I became a web Developer at age 13 learned my first language in computing and developed from that age on. Such a long time now to look back but that was only from the independent body that wanted me to provide them with a product. They knew I was mature enough at the time to take it serious and I sat down learned about static websites etc and produced a fully operational website 3 weeks later.

So as I said.

Age and Mental abilities are 2 massive differences! and should not be weighted the same with every person.