Your very old first generation iPad mini can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models). Unfortunately, you purchased a device which is effectively obsolete.
Apple ended update support for iPad mini in September 2016. Your iPad mini cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed; the original iPad mini is a 32-bit architecture device, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS and Apps are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms.
You may wish to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as third-party developers are increasingly dropping support for older versions of iOS preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them. As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.
Pleas don’t throw the iPad into the sea - but should you decide to replace it, please recycle it properly. Apple do offer a take-back scheme for recycling unwanted or obsolete devices - where materials are recovered and used recycled into new products.
I hope this information provides helpful clarity as to your available options - and the limitations of your current iPad mini.