I’m a Farmer’s Daughter — and That’s My Power

I grew up on a sweet potato farm where mornings began before sunrise and vacations meant the county fair. My parents taught me grit, pride, and the value of hard work.

When I earned a scholarship to a private city school, everyone called it my “big break.” But I felt out of place. My jeans smelled faintly of the barn, and whispers like “Do you live on a farm or something?” made me hide who I was.

That changed at a fundraiser when I brought sweet potato pies using my family’s recipe. They sold out in twenty minutes. Our counselor smiled: “This is you, Mele. Be proud.” Even Izan, the popular guy, asked for one for his mom.

Soon I launched “Mele’s Roots,” a farm-to-table mini business. By senior year, I created a short film about our farm that ended with a standing ovation.

I once thought being a farmer’s daughter made me small. Now I know it makes me strong — and rooted.