I wrote a thesis. The night before my thesis I was due, I had a panic attack. Although I ended up going through four drafts before submission, I just felt like there was no way I could complete my thesis in time. I honestly felt as though I was drowning, but so many individuals supported me throughout the process, especially at the most trying of times. I just want to share part of my acknowledgements (which can be found in entirety in my thesis).

They say that it takes a village to raise a child. What isn’t often said, but is certainly true, is that it takes a village to create a thesis. One year, many experiments, and many pages later, I would like to acknowledge those who made this thesis far more than a requirement for my Princeton degree but a transformative experience.

I could not have survived without the support of my friends. To Ana and Sophie, thank you for helping me sort out my never-ending drama. I will miss our ice-cream excursions, the nerdy jokes, and the all-around banter. I am truly blessed to have each of you in my life. Fellow MOL majors have been a great support to me. I would also like to thank my friends for their love and encouragement. To my thesis fairy, Frank, who made my thesis season bearable, my eternal gratitude. Thank you to everyone who read some iteration of this thesis.

I want to thank my family for their unending support. To my parents, thank you for teaching me that hard work is always rewarded. Thank you for calling me incrementally when I pull all-nighters. Thank you for being my alarm clock. Thank you for your encouragement and your prayers. Thank you for the surprise care packages. Thank you for telling me that you believe in me. To my wonderful brother Dapo and my precious sister Sade, thank you for everything.

I want to dedicate this thesis to two of my friends who passed over the period I wrote this thesis. To Michael Rister and James Norman, rest in peace.