Set to commence her studies in the fall, Aurora Castner plans to pursue a career in law.
A remarkable Texas girl who took birth in a jail cell has defied the odds and made a name for herself by graduating at the top of her class in high school. Aurora Sky Castner, born in the Galveston County Jail, achieved the third-highest ranking in her graduating class at Conroe High School, as reported by The Courier. Castner's mother was incarcerated at the time of her birth, and her father, who raised her as a single parent, took custody of her shortly after she was born. Her mother has not been involved in her life since that day. “It was a very different environment than I grew up in and that’s not a bad thing,” Castner said.
Despite these challenging circumstances, Castner has shown tremendous resilience and determination to succeed. In her application essay to Harvard University, Castner boldly began with the statement, "I was born in prison." This candid introduction, coupled with her impressive academic achievements, secured her admission to the prestigious Ivy League institution through early action. Set to commence her studies in the fall, Castner plans to pursue a career in law. Throughout her childhood, Castner and her father frequently moved residences but always remained within Montgomery County, reports PEOPLE.
That’s what 18-year-old Aurora Sky Castner wrote in her application essay to Harvard which found it worthy enough to accept the Texas native.
— Daily Tribune (@tribunephl) May 27, 2023
Read more at: https://t.co/TT8Rt01Abt pic.twitter.com/EGQCcPDr7X
Recognizing her potential, staff members at her elementary school suggested that she join the CISD's Project Mentor program, which pairs students with community volunteers for guidance and support. Mona Hamby, Castner's mentor, was particularly drawn to her story. Hamby recalled receiving a paper about Castner that revealed her admiration for Rosa Parks, her love for tacos from Dairy Queen, and her passion for reading. Inspired by Castner's resilience, Hamby became more than just an academic guide. She assisted Castner with personal moments, such as selecting eyeglasses and getting her first salon haircut.
The community rallied behind Castner as well, providing dental care, orthodontic treatment, and funding for important childhood experiences like summer camp. Castner expressed her gratitude for the influence of her mentor, Hamby, stating, "Everything that Mona taught me was very valuable in the same way that everything that I went through before Mona was very valuable." A pivotal moment in her journey was a trip to the Harvard campus in March 2022, where Hamby and her husband accompanied Castner. This visit solidified her decision to attend the university, deepening her love for the institution.
Total respect for Aurora Sky Castner and her father who raised her. What an inspiring story! God bless her in her studies.
— Stephen Simpson 🇺🇸 🇺🇦 ProperGander 🌻 (@BamaStephen) May 28, 2023
In addition to Hamby's support, Castner received guidance from James Wallace, a professor at Boston University, in preparing her Harvard application. Wallace helped her craft her personal story in the most compelling way possible. Aurora Sky Castner's exceptional achievements, coupled with her resilience and determination, have positioned her for a bright future at Harvard University. Her inspiring journey from a jail cell to the pinnacle of academic success serves as a testament to the power of determination and the transformative impact of mentorship.
References:
https://www.conroeisd.net/organization/project-mentor/
https://people.com/texas-girl-born-in-jail-graduates-top-of-her-class-heading-to-harvard-7504630
Cover Image Source: Facebook | ACADEMY FOR SCIENCE & HEALTH, CONROE ISD
