FOR THE

iAcknowledgments I would like to thank the many people who aided me during the process of completing this study. First, I would like to thank my committee, especially my advisor, Dr. Frances Vavrus, for her advice and feedback. I also thank Dr. Barbara Kappler and Dr. Michael Goh for being willing to take time out of their daily schedules to sit on my committee. In addition to my committee, I would also like to thank Dr. Gerald Fry for his advice on the research design. This study was a large undertaking, and I would not have completed it without the help of Matthew Thomas and the Plan A Master’s thesis class consisting of Annika Bowers, Maren Stoddard, Emily Hanson, and Millicent Adjei. Their guidance on the structure of the thesis, content, and research methods were invaluable. These individuals not only guided this process during the course, but continued providing support throughout the study. For this, I am extremely grateful. I also want to acknowledge my friends Vina, Mona, Tiffany, and my boyfriend Austin for being willing to pilot survey and interview questions, read through drafts of the thesis, and for keeping me grounded