Have to concur. I've had what I consider a charmed life. Not perfect but satisfying. I think it started with great parents who were actual fucking parents, not friends. Friendship came later. I'm not rich, but comfortable. I've got everything I could need and more. HS education. Great job. Married to an awesome woman for 35 years. I'd be happy to repeat my life, all of it, save for a few injuries. Opportunity is what you make of it.
Perhaps I was lucky? Military brat. Perpetual new kid in school. Eleven schools across five states and two countries. Government schools one and all. HS was Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS). Perhaps being the constant new kid filled me with resilience and drive? I was bored as fuck in class most of the time. Personally I just think I was observant in all things. You can learn a lot when you're observant.
I don't agree with govt. run schools. Schools should be community run and managed by parents of children currently enrolled only. Still, good parents can make all the difference. Not nearly enough good parents out there.