acknowledgments

The success of this book would not have been possible without the support and encouragement from the following individuals:

Meagan,thank you for your ongoing support, patience,and encouragement. I could not ask for a more loving and supportive wife.

I want to give special thanks to Jakob Trollbäck for writing my foreword. I hope that we have a chance to collaborate in the future.

To my students and colleagues at Fitchburg State College; you continue to be a joy to work with. Each day you keep my mind young and teach me more about the art of teaching and learning.

I want to express my gratitude to my editors at Focal Press, in particular, Paul Temme and Dennis McGonagle. It has been a pleasure working with you!

Finally, to all of those who generously contributed your work, you will serve as a source of inspiration to my readers. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know each of you and hope that our paths will cross again.

Thank you all for helping me create another book to beproud of!