I grew up on a sweet potato farm where mornings began before sunrise and vacations meant the county fair. Life was simple but steady — my parents’ grit made the world feel solid. That changed when I earned a scholarship to a private city school. On my first day, classmates mocked my jeans, my shoes, even the idea of farm life. I stayed quiet, ashamed of my roots. Everything shifted during a school fundraiser. I brought sweet potato pies — my family’s recipe — and they sold out in minutes.

Even Izan, the most admired guy at school, asked if I could make one for his mom. Encouraged, I launched “Mele’s Roots,” baking pies every week with help from my parents. Orders flooded in, and I began sharing stories of my farm in essays and projects. By senior year, I presented a short film about our land and family.

Nervous, I avoided eye contact as it played — until applause filled the room. For the first time, I felt proud instead of ashamed. I once thought being a farmer’s daughter made me less. Now I know it makes me rooted.