I thought that was informative and interesting to read, and have no desire or need to be critical, BUT regarding the following point
"I also gained a lot of reading and writing skills that most people don't have"
For kids with any scholarly inclinations school curriculum has easily taught them everything and more than the "truth" has taught anyone. The opportunities are endless to better oneself in school, in the truth these are restricted to a narrow focus. So in this regard, and this is not the first reference to this notion, I have to call foul.