In my research I present the IAF as a mentoring organization, one which supports individual development through the collective. This spirit of mentorship has pervaded every step of my research; my own development through this thesis is the result of the relationships that I have formed with the numerous individuals that have supported, encouraged, and challenged me along the way.

I never would have imagined that a class in labor market policy would lead me to south Texas. I can not extend enough thanks to my advisor Paul Osterman, who not only provided me with the opportunity to conduct this research, but who forced me to channel my enthusiasm and "gushing" into a coherent argument. It was through our multiple conversations in Cambridge and in the Valley that this work emerged, and it has been a pleasure to share my excitement with him. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have met him so early on into my time here at MIT, and can credit Paul with breaking down any stereotypes I had of economists.

It was Ceasar McDowell who led me to consider the relationship between form and content, and I owe him a great deal of thanks for encouraging me as I embarked on the task of presenting this work as a multimedia project. His support led me to translate my visions into reality, and pushed me to reach my own potential.

As if I didn’t have enough stimulation at school, I somehow landed the best internships in Cambridge. I owe numerous thanks to Dan Rothstein and Luz Santana of The Right Question Project, who both validated my interest in individual development and taught me the power of questions. Much of my analysis can be attributed to the numerous questions they asked and forced me to ask myself. I also would like to thank the staff at Cambridge Community Television for their support of my interest in media as a tool for community development. A special thanks to Duncan at the CRL for all of the technical help along the way!

And to my fellow comrades of "thesis support group" and my other friends and roommates, both near and far, I appreciate their incredible way of knowing when to ask me about my work, when to change the subject, and when to send me tortillas. The effort I have invested in this work is a result of the balance they offered.

As always, my family has served as my biggest fan club. I know that my own interest in individual development is rooted in the belief they have demonstrated in me from day one. A special thanks to my mother who is always my best editor and took the time to read through all my scribbles, send me references, and read me quotes over the phone. My sister also took the time to go through this entire website and send me edits, thank you!

Above all, the true motivation behind this thesis was sparked by the extraordinary stories that I heard in the homes, the churches, the workplaces, and the Dairy Queens of the Rio Grande Valley. It was the feeling that text was an inadequate medium to express these stories that led to my "multimedifying" this thesis, and text continues to be an inadequate medium to offer my thanks. Your words, your faces, your gestures, and your belief have infused me with an energy and faith I can only hope will continue to grow. You have taught me that cynicism is a choice and power is ours for the taking. Thank you.