Many individuals have enabled me to complete this unique research project.

First of all, gratitude must be expressed to Mrs. McComas, my CD. 315 instructor, for proposing the great challenge of this research project. Throughout this adventure, I have learned an incredible amount of valuable information related to researching, accessing, and analyzing information online, as well as, how to further develop my organization and time-management skills. She has helped to direct (and re-direct) my thinking countless times during this project and I appreciate her guidance and encouragement.

My group members, Heather, Cheryl, and Rikki, were also essential in the completion of this project. Their encouraging comments, insightful suggestions, and creative minds were constant sources of motivation and reassurance throughout the semester. I am very thankful for all of their help.

I would also like to thank my roommates, Emily and Brooke, for their patience and understanding while I tied up the phone line and computer for countless hours this semester in order to work on this project. These girls put up with me “behind the scenes” of this vast undertaking, and that is truly an accomplishment in itself.

Last, but not least, I must express my appreciation to my mother, Sue Ann, for her constant inspiration and support throughout this project. She allowed me to vent my frustrations and anxieties to her regarding my work and also gave me many wonderful ideas for this project.

Return to: Preface

Proceed to: About the Author

My name is Erin Nichols and I am a 21 year old student, majoring in Communication Disorders at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. This is my fourth year at Marshall and I’ve had many wonderful and unforgettable learning experiences here over the years. I am currently unsure of where I will pursue my graduate studies following graduation next May. After receiving my masters degree in Speech Language Pathology, I am interested in working in a rehabilitation center or with early intervention.

Going to school is a full-time job for me, therefore, I choose to work only during the summer months. Over the years I have had a variety of unique jobs, including working for two summers as an Americorps Energy Express mentor in Calhoun County, WV, and waitressing for two summers at various restaurants in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Other personal interests of mine include reading, writing, snow skiing, shopping, and spending time with my friends, family, and boyfriend.

The various pieces of writing found in this weblog were created as part of a Multi-Genre Research project for my CD. 315 course, in which I am currently enrolled. More information about the MRP can be found by accessing the preface section of this project.

Return to: Acknowledgements

Proceed to genre one: Webliography