<p>You lost nothing and gained great appreciation of life opportunities. In some way you will be ahead of your peers. I would not advise your path, however, my approach to life has been to never regret what has happened in a past since you cannot change it anyway, but use it to your advantage. This approach has served me well.</p>
<p>In regard to being older in school, I went for BS in my middle 30s and got my MBA at 40. I went to school earlier in my life also, but it was in a different field of study. Yes, there is difference, but it is all up to you. It is easier to get a better grades when you are older, I was taking my studies more seriously. But I did not care for any social connections, since I had my family and circle of friends already.</p>