There are repeated evidences that many people who excel in various areas of human endeavor paradoxically come from impoverished environments-economically, educationally, and socially. Statistically, they are supposed to fail, but they succeed. They make a commitment to excel and refuse to accept failure as an alternative. By virtue of their creative genius, they turn their state of disadvantagement into a stepping stone to success. Unfortunately, the literature is replete with discussions of negative effects of conditions of disadvantage; and rarely is there mention of positive effects. This article explores the dynamics of factors that can enable children reared in impoverished environments to use their conditions of adversity to challenge the status quo, confound ordinary logic, achieve extraordinary levels of success, and inspire others like them to do the same. In every strata of society, some children are exceptional, and those born and reared in conditions of disadvantage are no exception. The objective of this article is to help parents and educators recognize the potential for excellence in all children and to think and act creatively. Parents and grandparents have the most profound influence on the development of children in disadvantaged households. This article will highlight their positive influence. Enlightened educators are constantly seeking to redefine their roles in the total educational process. The new emphasis on creativity in education affords numerous opportunities. One new role for teachers is to help students identify ways and means to turn disadvantage into advantage, poverty into riches, and impoverish-