Lessons learned:
Always tell the truth. Don't leave any details out or deny anything. Tell all before they get to it, even if you think they won't, because they will.
Honesty is the best policy.
Patience is a virtue; have a waiting attitude.
Stay focused, don't let anyone or anything distract you.
Continue improving. Prayer is essential. Don't let the rumors or fallacies get to you; even if half of them were made up by a person/people you thought you could trust and wouldn't rat out just to take you down with them... and especially when they act like they haven't been doing anything wrong, when in reality, they're not as slick as they think and never was. Clear it up if you know for a fact that you did what was right especially because you MADE SURE that what you were doing was nothing short of right. Don't do whatever they did^ just because they did it to you.
No matter what friends, family, or any loved ones say or push you to do, no matter what their opinions are, fight for what is right, stick to what you believe in, and stand up for your convictions (as long as they revolve around Jehovah['s laws.] If they don't, then that's when it'd be wise to heed the words of spiritually strong ones.)
In the end, what matters is what you feel is your relationship with Jehovah, what's right in Jehovah's eyes and in your heart and soul, and that every thing is genuine; nothing else.