My family was very poor. From a young age, I knew we had no money and could only afford plain vegetables and tofu, but I didn’t feel discontent because I knew my parents loved me dearly.

Until one day, I set my heart on a new dress I saw on the street and begged my parents to buy it for me. That dress turned into a nightmare. When I wore it to school, I noticed my classmates giving me strange looks. The wealthiest girl in class, Aileen Tingey, approached my desk and asked, "Regina Reyes, is that the new spring line dress?"

I didn’t understand Aileen’s question and stared at...