I think this is a good step for you, definitely seek higher education. I think you could even be able to use your experience here to help others. You could seek a career in which you can help people in similar situations, either politically or literally. Or do whatever you want. Either way, you're a really smart person and with the proper tools, you can do whatever you want.

Saying that, I have to stress that education is something you take on personally. To many people feel that education is something they just participate in and the other party does all the work (teaching). You have to seek it out, you have to work hard and plan well, and you have to do what is best for yourself. Don't just put your education in the hands of some third party, no matter how accredited they are. You must be in control.