Hannah grew up in the northern part of the Appalachian Mountains, known as the Laurel Highlands—a beautiful, rural area of southwestern Pennsylvania, just above West Virginia. While it may not be considered the heart of Appalachia, the region shares many of the same cultural elements: the charm of country nostalgia, along with the challenges that come with poverty.

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After teaching in West Virginia for five years, Hannah began to understand how growing up in Appalachia leaves a lasting impression on a child’s sense of self. Kids are aware of the stereotypes, the statistics, and the fact that many people outside the region can’t even locate their state on a national map. This awareness can lead to low self-worth, a constant sense of being the underdog, and a belief that they must work harder to prove themselves.

 

Yet these children are incredibly intelligent, hardworking, and possess an extraordinary depth of heart. They long for someone to affirm that they don’t live in the “armpit of the world,” that they are bright and gifted, and that they can rise above their challenges to become anything they aspire to be.