Against all odds, a girl born in prison has defied expectations by gaining admission to Harvard University. Sky Castner, 18, was born in Galveston County Jail, but her father, who picked her up after birth, has raised her as a single parent.

Despite frequent relocations, Sky remained determined to attend Harvard and ranked third in her class at Conroe High School. She applied to Harvard with the poignant opening sentence, “I was born in prison.”

From an early age, Sky was a voracious reader and an excellent student. To help her reach her potential, she received mentoring from Mona Hamby through CISD’s Project Mentor. Mona and Sky’s close relationship developed because they both lacked mothers in their lives.

Mona provided guidance on various aspects of life, including choosing glasses, getting a haircut at a salon, and enjoying free time. Sky’s interest in Harvard grew after visiting the campus in 2022, and she sought advice from Professor James Wallace.

Sky’s inspirational journey demonstrates her determination to overcome adversity. Her story serves as a testament to resilience and the power of mentorship.

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