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than anything, I want to thank my husband, Ben, for supporting me throughout my doctoral program. Thank you for providing words of encouragement when I ran out of steam, for being understanding when I devoted weekends to writing rather than spending time together, and for often sitting up with me late at night so that I didn't have to stay up alone while writing. I also want to say thank you to my parents. Your constant support and words of encouragement have fueled me through not only this degree, but throughout my entire educational career. Thank you for always lending an ear to listen to my worries and struggles, but never letting me underestimate myself. I also would like to thank my advisors at the University of Louisville, Drs. Jill Adelson and Kate Snyder, for always pushing me to achieve more and to be a better researcher. To my dissertation committee, thank you for providing thoughtful feedback and sharing in my enthusiasm for this project. Thank you to my colleagues at HumRRO for not only providing constant encouragement to finish my dissertation, but for celebrating with me throughout many milestones. Finally, thank you to my mentor at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Molly Fisher. You were the first person who saw my potential as an education researcher, even as a curious undergraduate student. You helped set the foundation for what has turned out to be a valuable experience as a graduate student. You have all played such an important role in this process. Thank you.