An investigation into pathway preparation and student motivation

Abstract

Without the support of my family, friends, colleagues, and mentors, this project would not have been possible. I am profoundly grateful for the network of support I have had backing me at each stage of my continuing education and each milestone of this project.Mom, Dad, Ariana, and Nonni, you have always been there to support me in everything that I pursue with unconditional love and guidance. You have all taught me what it means to put others beyond yourself.Casey, I will always be indebted to the sacrifices you made to ensure I completed this project. You personally guaranteed that I truly had nothing to worry about besides this work, which allowed it to thrive and develop to its full capacity.Dr. Boozang, without your continued support, I could not imagine how this project would be possible. At each stage of drafting, planning, revising, and more, you were there to offer guidance and expertise which allowed me to extend beyond what I thought I was capable of.Dr. Serig, I am grateful for all of your contributions in pushing the scope and depth of this project. It is hard to imagine this project without your timely and rigorous feedback as a second reader.Dr. Gebhard, thank you so much for continuing your commitment to my academic growth. It's hard to believe that you were my professor for my first-ever course in the field of education and now you're my third reader for my dissertation. Thank you for everything, Meg.Lastly, I am deeply appreciative of everyone who was there for me in my journey. My family, friends, students, colleagues, and everyone who was there rooting for me along the way have made all the difference. All of the major and minor forms of support did not go unrecognized or unappreciated. 4 DedicationsTo my family, the foundation of my life. I love you, Mom, Dad, Ariana, Nonni, Papa, and Daisy.