Using community cultural wealth as a theoretical framework, this qualitative study examined the college choice process of eight undocumented Mexican college graduates. Through interviews, participants shared their testimonios revealing the development of their college aspirations and challenges encountered related to their undocumented status. They described the processes, resources, and networks they utilized to overcome obstacles and access a research university. Recommendations for practice and future research are offered.

The process of pursuing a higher education degree can be particularly complicated for undocumented students as they navigate the K-16 pipeline. Ganas, or the desire to succeed, is a cultural value that can serve a motivation to overcome educational obstacles. Using portraiture, this article highlights the ways students demonstrated ganas in the ways they prioritized relationships, honored parental sacrifices, and demonstrated resilience. Recommendations for research and practice are offered.