I would first like to thank my thesis committee members, Joe Turner, Fran McDonald, and Ranen Omer-Sherman. I've learned so much from the three of you in class and throughout this project over the last two years. You've all helped me grow as a scholar and work to find my voice as I continue my career as a scholar. Your feedback on this project was instrumental in the development, and I'd have been lost without your guidance. Thank you. Second, I would like to thank all of the friends I made

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... at the program, most especially Brooke Boling-Spears and Quaid Adams, who read many different drafts of this project and of my various other projects as we journeyed through this program together. It was rarely easy, and their support is what got me through when I didn't think I would make it. I also need to thank my parents for their love and support through my many years pursuing my continued education and the career path I undertook eleven years ago. I still have more to do and build for myself before I get there, but they've shown me that I can make it through and do whatever I set my mind to. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for me.