BY

iii DEDICATION This study is dedicated to my family, who instilled in me the essence of hard work and the acknowledgment that perseverance can overcome just about anything. I wish to recognize my mother, who has always been there for us and continues to give her unconditional love. Unfortunately, my father is not here to enjoy this wonderful capstone achievement in my educational career. However, I know that he looks down upon this accomplishment and smiles with the recognition that his son did well. To my sister, Debra, and my brother, Steve, I hope that I have made you proud; I have always tried to be a role model for you to follow. This journey would have been very lonely without my dearest Ada and our little ones, Lulu and Rascal. Thank you for giving me your love, support, and encouragement every day to see this journey to the end. To all of you who are such an important part of my life, I am forever grateful. i