Yeah, so instead of moping about being discouraged from pursuing higher education I've decided to take advantage of this new freedom and have enrolled myself in an undergraduate degree. I'm going to start on it part-time, and study via correspondence. The materials for my first unit arrive next week and I've been gearing up for it for a couple of months starting with some short study skills practice; trying to get my dried-out brain working again.
I already know that on meetings nights I'd learn far more sitting on the couch with a new book and Mr Frass. I suspect that this will be the final factor in convincing me to stay the smeg away from the kingdom hall, and stop trying to get reinstated already.
I'm really excited about finally knowing where I want to put my energy! And the chosen field: Economics! Well I'm hoping to focus on international aid eventually but for now I have to understand the basics of money.