I will be traveling alone for this project and it will test the limits of my own independence. However, I want to note that the conception of this project, although a brainchild of my own, was aided by many people, without whose efforts I probably would not have this opportunity. Here is where I would like to thank:

The Watson Fellowship committee: Norv Brasch, Amy Nelson, and Mary-Jane Kanaczet, for their confidence and future support on the project while I am abroad.

Mom and Dad, for believing and supporting, if not entirely understanding, my youthful wanderlust.

Bryan Tomasovich and Nancy Bristow at Puget Sound, without whose confident recommendations this project would have seemed awkward originating, as it is, from a mathematics major.

Mike Veseth, my college advisor for this application, for striking the perfect balance of encouragement and butt-kicking demand.

Priti Joshi, now teaching at San Diego State, but whose two classes at Puget Sound were the first to truly open up the discourse of the complicated natures of outsider and traveler, and also for her inspiration before, during, and after my 2001 summer research project in New Zealand.

Bill Breitenbach, who's greatly respectable grasp of objective authorship improved the balance of my application, filled asitwere with my peccadillos.

Samantha Pairis, Kristina Yoas, Lacey Chong, and others who also helped edit the application.

Bill Barry, for approving my study at home in New York at this important time.

Jim Davis, for understanding the importance and healing qualities of Tacoma, as my home away from home.

Jannie Meisberger and Sally Thompson, who never before put so many years of work into a student who ultimately did not officially study abroad than any other student in Puget Sound history. You two are amazing at your work.

Houston Dougherty, Betsy Kirkpatrick, and Mott Greene for their approval in the initial stages of the competition.

Richard Connolly-Anderson, Nick Kontogeorgopoulos, Stuart Smithers, Linda Critchlow, Karen Porter, and Melissa Weinman for inspiration during the application process.

Martin Jackson for the approval of extra-mathematical endeavors.

Jim Tourville and Andie Mungle, for the exciting night involving scissors.

In WA: Ken B., Jenna S., Charysse R., Natalie J., Keith C.E., Susan D., Emily E., Emily Y., Kiyo P., Justin C., Teri, E., Julie D., Lucie C., Josh G., Scott W., Ross E., for more ways than should be limited by being quantified.

In NY: Eileen, Kathy, Pamm, Rohan, Jen, for your casual, yet important, conversations and friendship.

My car, B.O.B., for patiently being towed while I dined with the other UPS Watson applicants. Sorry B.O.B.!!!