I personally feel that the most important quality for a person to shine, is their smartness to make use of the available resources to the utmost ability.
Feel not for not being able to get right education or your dream job.
I have seen people with lots of alphabets listed behind their names as their qualification (not to ignore the fact that it takes a lot of hardwork and perseverance behind that), but that just gives you the entry.
Its then your approach towards life, on what you want to do or where you want to be, thats going to define your Success/Growth.