Taking a big step...

When Elliott expressed interest in going to the University of Washington campus in Tacoma, I admit...I kinda freaked out.  

The area the campus is located on, had a  reputation in the 80 and 90's.  It was not known as a higher place of learning, but more as a place you could get high, and maybe killed in the process.  

Turns out UW made an investment in Tacoma that started a huge regeneration of the downtown area.  They bought a few blocks of old industrial brick buildings.  Our meeting with admissions was in the building called the Mattress Factory!  It really was a mattress factory in a previous life.  The buildings have been preserved on the outside, many even have the painted signs that show their previous life still on them.  Inside, there are many signs of the factories they used to be, large beams, duct work and stairs that make you wonder what stories they could tell.  You can tell they took the time to keep the history of the area...it's beautiful!

The revitalization brought a renewed inspiration for even more additions to the area.  There is a transit system in place that will literally take Elliott anywhere he needs to go.  If he needs a break, walking across the street from the small campus he can hit the Washington State History Museum, the Tacoma Art Museum, the Museum of Glass and more.  The university has the feel of college with out as much as distraction.

So, he is working on his admission application, due by March 15th for entrance into the fall semester.  We have spied out an apartment building a block from campus, that will fit into Elliott's GI Bill budget.  The advisor said she sees no issues with Elliott getting admitted.  It is still a big step....one we are excited about...ok, you know me, I am kinda sad too.  Elliott is my baby boy, no matter how old he gets!