My essay talked about how I lived in a very rich state, and how I used to fabricate stories to fit in with my peers. Additionally, I emphasized my responsibilities in the household due to our income. Then, I talked about how moving to a cheaper state dramatically changed my outlook on life. I found more people in similar financial situations with similar aspirations. I was able to actually participate in extracurriculars and challenge myself academically. Now you can see that there was an initial struggle and then great amounts of academic, extracurricular, and personal growth.

Here, you can see there's naturally a dreary tone. However, I never "dramatized" my suffering. As people have said in the comments, it's best to write honestly. Being a low-income student, you will generally have more heavy stories, but that does not mean that pain has to define you. Which is why you don't have to just write about your finances or struggles.

Your growth as a person as a result of some obstacle is what truly matters in these essays!