27 May 2023 , 11:31
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An 18-year-old girl who was born in prison, is set to attend Harvard University after graduating third in her class.
Despite facing adversity from the moment she entered this world, Sky Castner, from Texas, had the determination to propel her towards a brighter future.
Castner's journey began at Galveston County Jail, where she was born as her mother served her sentence.
However, her father, assuming the role of a single parent, took custody of her and raised her.
Castner penned her Harvard application letter, with the opening line boldly stating, "I was born in prison." which captured the attention of the university.
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Sky Castner, 18, of Montgomery County, was born in Galveston County Jail, as her mother was incarcerated at the time of her birth. (Facebook)
'I was born in prison,' reads the first line of her Harvard application letter, which she worked with a professor at Boston University to write. (Facebook)Graduating as the third-ranked student from Conroe High School, located north of Houston, Castner's academic achievements have earned her a place at Harvard, where she plans to pursue a degree in law.
Castner achieved remarkable academic success, earning straight A's at Conroe High School.
Castner credits her mentor, Mona Hamby, for her success. Their journey together began when they were matched through her school's mentor program.
Recognizing Castner's passion for reading, Hamby became an integral part of her life, providing care and guidance beyond their weekly meetings.
She will be attending the prestigious Ivy League school on a full scholarship. (Facebook)He said: "I was given a paper about her. Her hero was Rosa Parks, her favorite food was tacos from Dairy Queen and she loved to read. I thought this sounds like a bright little girl, I still have that paper today.
"She told me: "I've been to jail." I said: "No, that can’t be right'. I knew that I can’t just go eat lunch with this kid once a week, she needed more.", Hamby told the Houston Chronicle. '
Sharing the news on Instagram, Hamby celebrated Castner's acceptance into Harvard, she will also be attending the prestigious Ivy League school on a full scholarship. .
The young teen credits her mentor Mona Hamby for her success (Facebook)"Girl set a goal to go to Harvard in elementary school despite being born in poverty. Received full scholarship to attend Harvard in 2023," Hamby wrote while sharing an image of her mentee.
Hamby also took Castner on a tour of Harvard's campus, further fueling her passion for higher education.
Despite her rough beginnings, Castner will graduate third in her class from Conroe High School and will attend Harvard in the fall to study law (Facebook)Castner said: "It was a very different environment than what I grew up in, and I am grateful for the opportunities."
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While Castner has had minimal contact with her birth mother, having spoken to her only once at the age of 14, her father, who raised her single-handedly, faces his own challenges with bipolar disorder.