An emerging scholar focused on inequality, who conducted interviews with young adults and their parents for her research.

An upper-class resident of Port Clinton with active involvement in school activities, who plans to attend law school.

A lower-class resident of Port Clinton who faced educational challenges but aspires to go to college despite having a criminal record.

A former working-class kid from Port Clinton’s Class of 1959 who became a first-generation college student with the help of community support.

A wealthy member of Port Clinton’s Class of 1959, who went on to have a career in journalism and business, partially aided by a trust fund.

A Port Clinton Class of 1959 member who overcame societal expectations to reinvent herself as a public official and pastor.

The only two black students in Putnam’s Port Clinton Class of 1959, who achieved successful careers in education despite experiencing racism.

An upper-class resident of Bend, raised with a focus on education, who attended college with the help of loans and part-time work.

A lower-class resident of Bend struggling with feelings of abandonment, who currently lacks realistic goals and suffers from depression.

A college graduate from Atlanta, raised in an upper-middle-class black family with a focus on education and religious values.

Residents of Atlanta, with Stephanie raising her children as a single mother who overcame a difficult past and worked hard to support her family.

Raised in New Orleans and Atlanta, Elijah faced a turbulent upbringing but strives for better opportunities despite ongoing challenges.

Residents of Orange County who worked hard to overcome early life challenges, focusing on education and successful careers.

Resilient sisters from Santa Ana navigating a challenging environment and educational system while striving for better futures.

Residents of Lower Merion Township in Philadelphia, where Marnie supports her family through an extravagant lifestyle and focuses on her daughters' education.

Residents of Kensington, Philadelphia, navigating a dangerous neighborhood while dealing with personal struggles and seeking community support.