Alma Alvarado was home alone when she found out she got into UCLA. She was living in a small apartment in Planada, California, just outside Merced. She was often there by herself, because her older brother, the only other member of her household, worked long hours. On this day, she sat alone at home again, and opened her laptop with her heart in her throat. Read more...

Photo: Alma Alvarado is one of about 450 undocumented students attending UCLA. She is a third-year Spanish and anthropology student and a member of Improving Dreams, Equality, Access and Success. (Photo by Angie Wang)