While living in California, Ocon went on welfare to help provide for her child. ,

Allred argued that "without an education," Ocon would have been "limited to only menial jobs," which would undoubtedly affect the quality of care she could give to her child.

"The benefit of the education is to the child," said Allred. "It will give her a chance to become a role model for her daughter."

For Ocon, however, the victory seems less symbolic and much more personal.

She said that she looked forward to coming back to Harvard and re-establishing ties she had made before she left.

"I am extremely excited," she said. "I haven't been able to talk much to my friends since I left, and I miss them a lot."

Yet Ocon said her primary concern is preparing for how she will best be able to take care of her daughter when she returns to Cambridge.

She said that she has a full scholarship, and also that the University has offered to provide health care for Bailey.

But housing may be more of a challenge.

Under Harvard's housing policy, parents with children are not allowed to live on campus, so she will have to find her own housing.

However, Thomas A. Dingman '67, associate dean of the College, hinted that while there will not be any special housing arrangements made for Ocon, the University may "run interference for her" with local real-estate agencies and help her get top priority in finding an apartment.

As to the child's father, Ocon said she has no desire to stifle his visitation privileges.

"I hope that he will relocate to Cambridge," she said.

"This is about a dream," said Allred, "the chance for a woman of modest means to succeed.