Students who were in “lower” classes in middle school, what are you doing now?

Basically this - I’m a teacher and I know my students in each group may just need more time to blossom. Most couldn’t care any less about their work, but they care more about how their classmates perceive them. I’d love to hear from yous. What mattered? How did you get there? I know there is so much potential and I need more hope.