Abstract

This has been an incredible journey that if not for my wonderful family, I would never have been able to take. Thank you my LOVE, Jose Portillo (Joe), for being there for me and for encouraging me to pursue this endeavor which has always been a dream of mine. You have been my rock throughout this whole process and I can't even begin to tell you how much your support and understanding has meant to me. Your encouragement to stick through this process is truly a blessing that I will be forever grateful to you for supporting every step I took. I have loved you all my life and thank you for being my inspiration. I LOVE YOU! To my wonderful children Eliana Yvonne and Joe, thanks for not complaining that mom was not always paying attention because of deadlines being met or tons of reading that had to be done. I want you to know that this process has been demanding but if not for your patience, I would not have been able to move forward. Thank you for not complaining when I took over your T.V. room and bombarded it with books, research, and notebooks. I hope that one day you too will accomplish your goals that will make you a better person for your families.