Acknowledgements

I would like to dedicate this dissertation to my family who, in each of their own ways, are the very definition of resilience. To my parents who taught me strength and courage – I hope I have made you proud. To my siblings, Cathy, David, and Deirdre, who taught me to go after my dreams, to be true to myself, to try to laugh and carry on even when life gets tough, to stand up for what you believe in, and to always do your best. I will forever be grateful that we were born into the same family. I don’t know who or where I would be without your love and support. i