What Factors Influence Affirmative-Action Students' Achievement in Brazilian Federal Universities?

Abstract

Completing this dissertation would not have been possible without the encouragement, support, and expertise of many individuals. I hesitate to make a list because I may carelessly leave out someone important, and if I did, please forgive me. Dr. Baez, thank you for your advice, knowledge, and reassurance throughout this process. Your support has been paramount to getting me where I am. You introduced me to Dr. Saunders, who has been a patient, caring, and an invaluable asset to my quantitative woes throughout this process. Thank you, Dr. Saunders. To my other incredible committee members, Dr. Goonen, and Dr. Eric Dwyer: thank you for graciously sharing your time and imparting your knowledge with me. To say my family has had a role in this accomplishment is an understatement. There were many difficult times in which I contemplated walking away. But during those times, Joe Gillespie, my husband, was always there to remind me why I wanted to do this and to reassure me that I could. His unconditional support and love ensured that I stayed the course. There were many weekends where he would take our beautiful children to play so that I could write. My children, Julia and Elena, and my nieces, Vanessa, Daniella, Mary Grace, Valentina, and Lia, have also been my inspirations. My parents, Chia and Sergio Martinez, have always been wonderfully resilient and made education a priority in our home. We were often reminded that we would graduate from college-it was not a question of if, but when. I dedicate this degree to them and all of my family. To my siblings, Pri, Fe, and Mari: thank you for supporting me in this long journey. It would be remiss of me to not acknowledge my encouraging in-laws, Amelia and Alton McCoy.