ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This master’s thesis could not be possible without the support and effort from a number of people. First, I would like to thank God, without him nothing is possible. To my beautiful daughter Andrea and my wonderful son Jesus, I love you. Thank you to both of you for enduring parentless evenings, going to the library with me, crazy schedules, but mostly thank you for always understanding that all this sacrifice was done for the both of you. To my life partner, Jesus, I love you so much and thank you for all the encouraging words, texts, and emails. I could not have done this without you. Agradezco a mis padres por todo el apoyo, oraciones, y por enseñarnos que con Dios y buen trabajo, todo se posible. To my family, co-workers, and friends, especially my little support group (Efren, Marina, Pati and Carola), I thank you for all your support and words of encouragement. We did it! To my baby sister Pati, I love you. I’m so honored to have gone through this journey with you. Words could not express how proud I am of you. To my committee member Martha Velasco, thank you for being such an inspirational person in my life. I have always looked up to you. To my beautiful, patient, understanding, and always willing to help, chair Dr. Alice Quiocho. You have done so much for me. I will be eternally grateful for your motivation, ideas, and advice. Thank you for taking me and my sister under your wing and making all this possible. Female Dropouts 3 To my wonderful students that were there to remind me to never give up; I could only hope to inspire you the way you inspire me day in and day out. Lastly, this master’s thesis is dedicated to the young women who for various reasons leave our classrooms and school, but never give up on their dream to finish school. Your strength, courage, and perseverance have been inspiring