First and foremost, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the continual guidance, inspiration, and trust from Professor Anna Shusterman, without whom this project and my passion for education would not exist. My life direction has changed ever since she brought me to preschools in my sophomore year. Many thanks to the preschool teachers who participated in this project. I am grateful for their honesty, courage, and willingness to share. Without their insight, this project would not have been possible. Thanks to the PSYC206 students for their feedback and their help with interviews and transcripts. To my thesis companion, Andy, thank you for being my biggest support (and distraction) in times of need. Special thanks to Alison for helping me with every step of data analysis, and to Jess, who read all of my drafts and gave me lots of valuable comments. I would not have finished writing without the three of them. I have been fortunate to be constantly surrounded by laughter, food, and support in the Blue Lab. Many thanks to Paul, who stood by my side even when I was stressed and irritable, and to my thesis buddy, Aileen, who was always with me in my ups and downs. Thanks to my friends for the home-cooked meals and encouragement that kept me motivated. In the past four years, I have been blessed by the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Freeman, without whom I would not be at Wesleyan.