‼️Started Birth Control Today💊‼️

I had a doctors visit today and I was able to have the most open and comfortable talk and was put on birth control privately without any issues or having to ask for permission from a parent. I had a lot of questions answered, but it all went by very fast and I still have a lot more left.

(I'm on a 28 day type of birth control btw)

1.) my period ended this past sunday, I took my first pill today (wednesday), is that okay?

2.) how long does it take until it becomes effective, or until I'm safe to have sex without a condom?

3.) what are the bottom row of different colored pills for exactly? I know they're supposed to be non-hormonal, but what's the point of having them?