Out of the box?
How old are you? This may be inappropriate...
Homeless people. Every one of them is a real person, has a story, and they all have a look. If you know how to work with lighting (particularly open-shade)... The idea is to sit and talk to them. Then as things progress, tell them you're a photo student and ask if you can snap. Tell them you won't ever print stuff below their dignity (and you won't have to).
Keep talking and listening. Snap unabashedly when their faces express what they're saying. Use judgement when selecting the pictures. You can even quote what they said at the time under the print.
You want powerful? Try that! You want more powerful? Really listen and try to portray what you hear. It'll be a learning experience like you've never had before; for many years. You'll only really get what they say over the years. But if you're open, that's one of the greatest expressions of "descent" you can aim at if you haven't done that before.
If you're young, take a friend with. If you're really young, try something else.
