Rain pours on ITC (Institute of Technology Syracuse Central) student Rayshawn Tigner as he waits to cross the road on his mile-and-a-half walk to high school.

Tigner, 16, lives outside the busing zone and cannot afford to take a public bus every day.

Tigner takes notes in his first class of the day, economics. He dreams of being an accountant someday.

Tigner sorts through his books at his girlfriend's locker at ITC. They have been sharing a locker all year and have most of their classes together.

Tigner and his classmates laugh during economics class while discussing what material things are worth buying after inflation. Their wants and needs don't seem to match up.

Donna Richardson, TIgner's mother, makes a phone call in her room as her son's play video games.

Tigner meets Josh Sandberg during his shift at Wegmans, Saturday. They are amused that they share the same birthdate.

Tigner, completes his homework upon returning home after school. He shuts his bedroom door to block out the noise from the rest of the household and to concentrate on his work.