Miss Behaving.
Welcome! You have had it tough. I am sorry for all you have gone through. I hate the shunning.
You sound a lot like me. When I know something is not right, I can not pretend. You are extremely brave to come forward to your family and tell them. That shows what kind of person you are. We have children and we could never turn our backs on them. It is sad and shameful the way they seem to just want you to go away. It is their loss.
You mentioned that you always thought apostates were bitter, hateful, lost and unhappy. We have been out for 2+ years (born ins) and have never been happier. We are working on the bitterness. It gets better everyday. Now that you have experienced some of the unloving behavior of loved ones, you can understand why so many become bitter. Most here have experienced the lack of love the JW's can display towards others. There are some really good people on here. Most have been deeply scarred by the JW religion, as you have. Keep reading and learning.
I also thought all the non JW's were evil until I became friends with several and they were actually kinder to me and my family than the JW's. You will get love and hate no matter where you go. It's the way the world is. Good and evil everywhere but for the most part people are decent and kind.
Keep attending college and take one day at a time. Hopefully, when you finish college you will be able to go out on your own and live without reliance on others. Stay positive.
"The freedom to think and believe whatever I wish is very precious to me now. I also feel damned lucky to be young enough to make a different life for myself."
From the statement above you sound like you are moving in the right direction. Enjoy your freedom. You are fortunate that you are still young when you learned the Truth about the truth.
Keep us posted on your progress! We are here for you!
Remember what Doc always says..."the best revenge is living a happy and successful life."