^Welcome. As you can see, you are not the only one.
Overall, I also have a lot of hope, and I remain at a minimal dose of Valium for the most part along with intense therapy. I worry sometimes that I will never truly beat it. I couldn't cross a busy street yesterday and was intensely agoraphobic for about an hour. But then I pulled myself out of it and today I was able to walk the street I feared without any problems or noticeable anxiety.
Not all of my friends and family understand what it is to live with panic disorder. I would say most have a rough idea, as I am candid about it with the people in my life. I am proactive in dealing with it through medical treatment. It is a fact that I have a very independent nature; I want to be able to live a good and happy life without feeling as though I need to depend on drugs, therapists, or sympathetic souls to so do.
I am glad to read that your confidence is increasing; in addition to the university course, are you also seeing a therapist? Cognitive-behavioral therapy is what turned a lot of it around for me. Also Hakomi and NLP, but most of all, going out and confronting minor things that freak me out and create that bad adrenaline response in me... it's made all the difference. From your post, you seem like a very intelligent person with a lot of insight into your condition. Intelligence and insight together with support from your loved ones and a competent therapist will give you that dose of true courage you need to transcend the pain you feel right now.
My best to you, and again, welcome. You'll find a lot of support and a great community here.