Great story. This shows how the limited amount of hood training you had with your instructors kicked in and worked. Also, you made a decision and worked through it. Some can't. It wasn't panic, it was good stress. This may have been your first IMC, not intended, and alone without instructor. You'd be fool if you weren't feeling the things you described. Lastly, you are learning from your experience. You'll love instrument training as it will build skill and confidence. Get back on the horse asap and have fun!

Consider sharing with AOPA, they would love it and may make a "real pilot story" about it.

PS: If you have a comm II, monitor ATIS as far ahead (if possible) as you can; it will help those surprises...