Wow. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible.
When I moved to Eugene, Oregon, I knew almost no one. Over the past year, this project became much more than a master's defense. It became a reflection of the community that welcomed me, challenged me, and helped me grow.
Thank you to Professor Slavka for the constant encouragement and thoughtful conversations throughout the year, and to Troy for your intellectual guidance and belief in this work.
Thank you to Julie Newton and Autumn Schaefer, as well as my undergraduate professors, Dr. Sarkissian and Dr. Veksler, whose support, inspiration, and recommendations helped me take the leap into this program.
Thank you to my MABR cohort for your friendship and unwavering support throughout this journey. Thank you to Hana for being my right hand through every stage of this project, from modeling and filming to countless conversations, ideas, and last minute problem solving.
Thank you to Camille and Maia for your photography, to the distance runners who participated in interviews and focus groups, and to every model, volunteer, and friend who gave their time, energy, and trust to bring this vision to life.
Thank you to my mom for cheering me on from across the country and supporting my decision to come to Oregon and pursue this dream.
One of the most meaningful parts of this project was watching people from different parts of my life come together in the same room. Friends, classmates, runners, professors, and collaborators who had never met before were suddenly sharing stories, meals, and conversations. At one point, I overheard people going around the table asking each other, "How do you know Adalyn?" It was a simple question, but it reminded me of what this project was really about: connection. Seeing those relationships intersect and watching new ones form was something I will never forget.
