of the Requirements

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My deepest gratitude goes to the Chair of my Committee, Professor Vijayan K. Pillai. I will always be thankful for his wisdom, knowledge, flexibility, and patience in guiding me to complete this thesis. It has been an honor working with him. Additionally, I am fortunate in benefiting from the excellent insights and knowledge of the other exceptional members of my thesis committee: Professor Doreen Elliott and Professor Randall Basham. I would like to thank them for their valuable guidance and inputs. I would also like to offer my general gratitude to the various members of faculty at the University of Texas at Arlington, School of Social Work. During my two years in the Master’s program, they have given me many opportunities and kind wisdom to enhance my knowledge and skills to be an effective social worker. Additionally, I would like to thank everyone at North Lake College and the Community Service Clinic, for allowing me flexibility and constant support throughout my thesis writing process. On a personal note, I would like to share all my accomplishments with my husband and son. I thank them from the bottom of my heart, for their continuous shower of love, affection, and patience throughout the process of the Master’s program. I also would like to deeply and continually thank my grandparents and my parents in providing me with a platform of security, love, and inspiration to reach for my potential and through which I have had the courage to reach out and make my contribution. To my siblings and friends, I thank you for your wisdom, support, and friendship through the most complicated period of my life