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“She Was Born in Jail”: Abandoned as a Child, 18-Year-Old’s Inspirational Goosebumps-Inducing Journey to Harvard Brings UFC Stars and Fans Together

Published 06/02/2023, 12:34 PM EDT

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Everyone loves a story where a character defies all odds, conquers adversities, and rises to the top. Recently, former UFC star Tim Kennedy shared one such captivating story on his Instagram, leaving fans absolutely enthralled. Aurora Sky Castner, a Texas teen, recently graduated as the valedictorian of her high school class and will be heading to Harvard University in the fall. Despite being born in jail, Castner beat the odds and achieved remarkable success. Her father, who whisked her away from the Galveston County Jail when she was just a newborn, raised her.

Castner’s application essay to Harvard boldly declared, “I entered this world in prison,” and she secured her acceptance through early action. With the unwavering support of her community, including her mentor Mona Hamby, Castner made her dream of attending Harvard a reality. Hamby played a pivotal role in the teenager’s life, providing invaluable guidance and even taking her on a tour of Harvard’s campus. Castner’s academic accomplishments stemmed from her self-motivation and thirst for knowledge.

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She soared academically, earning top grades and actively participating in a program that prepared students for careers in science and mathematics. Castner’s ambition is to study psychology and philosophy at Harvard, with her sights set on pursuing a law degree in the future. Along her journey, she received aid and mentorship from various individuals in her community, and she expresses deep gratitude for the opportunities and valuable lessons she has encountered.

Fans hail the story of Aurora Sky Castner

Tim Kennedy, a former UFC middleweight, felt compelled to share the inspiring story of Aurora Sky Castner on his Instagram platform, just like many others acquainted with her. Known for his inclination to express gratitude for anything praiseworthy, Kennedy made sure to highlight Castner’s struggle for his followers. And his efforts certainly paid off, as fans were left utterly astounded by this incredible narrative.

 

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A post shared by Tim Kennedy (@timkennedymma)

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The 43-year-old Kennedy emphasized in the caption, “She was born in jail. She was abandoned by her mother. She was poor. She was raised by a single parent. And is going to HARVARD. You are not the environment you were born in. You are a culmination of your actions and choices.”

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  • “Wish I could like this post more then once” : wrote the UFC veteran, Donald Cerrone.
  • “How is she not on the cover of some magazine as woman of the year ??”
  • “Sounds like she also had an excellent group of people guiding her. Mentors are also important.”
  • “She’s like Bane except she took the right path!”
  • “Nothing like a great story to kill all excuses.”
  • “I just got goosebumps… GODDAMN!!!”
  • “🔥 Hell yea ! It’s not about where your from it’s about how you come !”
  • “Funny how people use the environment your born in to justify crime/ violence. You choose to be who you want to be. You control your life.”
  • “Wow…..Now that’s one hell of inspirational story. Good for her👏👏”

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The story certainly struck a chord with their hearts, leaving them bowled over by Castner’s indomitable spirit and her ability to conquer all odds. What are your thoughts on Aurora Sky Castner’s story? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch this story: Conor McGregor Being the “Best Daddy” in the World

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Written by:

Mayur Soni

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Mayur Soni is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. His journey as an MMA fan started with Conor McGregor’s historic 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo in 2015, which sparked his love for the sport. Since then, he has closely followed the sport and gained an in-depth understanding of its nuances, which reflects in his insightful and analytical writing.
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Edited by:

Anuj Jacob