Acknowledgements

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have supported me throughout my academic journey. Your guidance, encouragement, and belief in me have been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my professors at RCC and CSUSB. Your expertise, passion, and dedication to teaching have inspired me to become a lifelong learner. I am especially grateful to Professors Jessica Hamilton, Andrew Lavengood-Ryan, Marina Duchesne, and Sherri Franklin-Guy, who have gone above and beyond to ensure my success in class, and more importantly, my growth as a person. Your mentorship has been invaluable, and I will always cherish the knowledge and skills you have imparted to me.

I would also like to acknowledge the contributions of my peers and colleagues at CSUSB, if we worked together, I owe you thanks. Each of the members of the Math Group, Yesenia Briceño, Hanna CaponeLangan, Natalie Ghani, and Stephany Leos, has helped me grow as a scholar and a person, and I would not have experienced the growth or had anywhere near as much fun without them. I hope to call you all friends for life. Yesenia Briceño, thank you for encouraging and challenging me through this process, giving me an ear to bounce ideas off, and a kind heart willing to help in my times of need. Your brilliance and dedication to this process has been contagious, and my work would not be anywhere near the quality it is without your input. I will be a better educator because of what you have given me.

I would also like to acknowledge the love and support of my family. Nobody has been more important to me in the pursuit of my education than the members of my family. I would like to thank my parents, whose love and guidance are with me in whatever I pursue, and who encouraged me to better myself in my most difficult of times. I did not spiral because of you. I would also like to thank my brother, who has shown me the value of a strong work ethic. Finally, I owe thanks to my grandmother and grandfather, who always encouraged me to put my brain to use, to be an educated individual, and to contribute to society.

Once again, I am grateful to all those who have contributed to the betterment of my being. I feel blessed to have such wonderful people in my life, and I will always remember the role you have played in shaping me into the person I am today, thank you.