In a family of 3 kids.... I'm the only one that successfully made it out. I have found, in my experience that it's the people who were around me that were holding me back. Dropping the bad from your life is the most productive thing you can do as a first step.
Everyone has a chance, but some have more mental advantage. Cher... People have misjudged you in your past, but you posess in you a mental aptitude for change and growth. That is a major advantage. Change is a major factor in scaring people from success. Fear can motivate either way.