Acknowledgements
To my parents: As your daughter I am shaped by your journey as immigrants who escaped post war Europe to find new opportunities to farm and raise a family in Canada. I am forever in awe of your accomplishments as I remember your presence in my life. You are gone but your legacy and story lives on.
To my siblings: We shared the work and enjoyed the time to play - together. We may not be on the same paths, but we are connected - together. As a first generation post secondary attender and the first in my family to begin a PhD, I rely on your honest and critical support.
To my husband: Always supportive of my new ventures into teaching and learning. Always there when I need to retract from it all.
To my children: I am always amazed that I have the gifts of your presence, personalities and relationships to support me in this journey.
To Mag 8: Friends from near and afar, sisters from another mother, your enthusiasm and words of encouragement mean so much.
To my critical friends and extended PLN: I reach out and you are there, hidden and found across the world. Your voices resonate.
To my supervisor and committee: You continue to push and pull without making it feel like pressure or obligation, more like general suggestions.