BY

I would like to say a heart-felt thanks to the many people who helped me make it through all of the coursework, exams, papers, and research (and doubts). To my family, almost all of whom are or have been educators, who instilled in me a love of learning. And, I guess, thanks also for the Midwestern-Scandinavian-Protestant work ethic which wouldn’t allow me to give up, no matter how many times I considered it! To my husband, Pat, who kept encouraging me to continue and to not give up. However, this could have been so (a) I wouldn’t bug him during football season and/or (b) he could retire early! To my ESL students at Volunteers of America Adult High School who were so proud of me that they wanted me to be their family physician when I completed my “doctor degree”. To Morgon Mae who subbed for me at VOA while I was completing my coursework. To my Anoka Tech students who were more than willing to have classes cancelled (even going so far as suggesting that I cancel classes) so I could finish my written prelims. To my Anoka Tech co-workers who (a) encouraged me to keep going, (b) helped me to count down the days until I was dissertated, defended, and graduated, and (c) let me hang out in their offices when the butterflies attacked! To the faculty, staff, classmates, and friends at the University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development who helped make this a wonderful adventure. To Dr. Rosemarie Park for being my faculty advisor throughout my Master’s and Doctorate programs. You helped me better understand why educating adults is so very important. You also taught me how to be a better educator of adults so they are able to maintain their dignity in a very humbling situation. i