There are so many great response postings here that I don't know which one to praise the most. Maybe the one I'm replying to.

You have a path forward. Take it, learn from it.

When I was 10, I got into computers. You REALLY needed to be thick skinned back then as nobody got any support from anyone. If you expressed interest in computers, you were ostracised as a freak. I was bullied at school for it more times than I care to remember. However, I never let myself become a victim or give up. That's where true grit comes from.

I'l be honest and say I think the whole tech industry is over-rated. There are loads of good (great) people who start out young and do some amazing things. I think it's on a downhill slide. The same happens to any saturated industry.

Stay focused. Don't be a victim. Take the opportunities that come your way.

Best of Luck!