jmcomicÂþ»­

My experience as a student in the English/Creative Writing program at the University of Washington, Seattle, was wonderful. Even while working four jobs to support myself, I was able to take advantage of the full range of opportunities on and beyond the campus. The best thing about attending the UW was the chance to get involved so many things that supported my passions. I volunteered (at local schools, women's centers, and social justice organizations), explored new interests (like fencing, event-planning,... Read More or art), studied abroad (at the UW's Rome Center), did research (and presented it at a symposium), created community projects, and so much more. Specifically, as a humanities student, I felt like I got a small liberal arts college experience within a large research institution. There were big opportunities only an A-1 research institution can offer, but cohorts in my classes were small and intimate. One thing I regret is not taking advantage of interdisciplinary activities more. There's just so much opportunity to learn! However, perhaps STEM majors have a different perspective about their experiences at UW. I feel like much of my love of the place and time is related to the degree and knowledge I pursued. Seattle is a great literary community, with spaces like the Richard Hugo House for writers and the only poetry-only bookstore in the country. Another amazing things about the UW is how incredibly gorgeous the campus is. From the Hogwarts-eqsue architecture to the bloom of cherry blossoms every Spring to the glory of the Mt. Rainier vista, there's so much beauty in this Pacific Northwest school. The location, right in the middle of Seattle, is also great. The University District is diverse and full of delicious restaurants and interesting places to explore.

The University of Washington is first rate as far as I am concerned. I was given full ride scholarships for several of the years that I attended there and it was clear to me that they value and support non-traditional students. My area of study was English, and the courses and professors were always quite authoritative and up-to-date as far as scholarship and theory are concerned. I had plenty of distractions as I was required to work several part time jobs simultaneously, but because the classes... Read More and professors were supportive to non-traditional students, I made it through to achieving my B.A. with flying colors maintaining a 3.73 gpa! The campus is beautiful. The Suzzallo Library looks like something out of Harry Potter! Very Hogwartsian! The neighborhood that the university is located in is vibrant and full of inexpensive and delicious food ranging from Thai to Vietnamese and Ethiopian and Venezualan. The apartments around campus tend to be either really old and run down or brand new and highly priced, but it is possible to commute from further afield as the busses are very reliable and continually available. The shopping in the University District (or The Ave is it is known by its denizens) is skewed toward gritty street fashion and book stores. Stores like Urban Outfitters and Red Light are side by side with 2nd hand stores and consignment shops. There is a fairly large homeless youth contingent is this area as well, and if you want to get involved with volunteering and activism, there are plenty of very immediate opportunities.

Born in 1939, I would not have been able to be a high school teacher had I not graduated. UW made all the difference in the world. My four children all received the BA's from the UC system, and three have MA's and one a PhD. Aside from the low cost of my education ($100/qtr) I never received a dime of aid. I worked at a funeral home, washing three cars six days a week, performing office duties 6-9 pm seven days every fourteen, and being on call to answer the phone over night seven nights every fourteen.... Read More The University was a great opportunity for a poor boy raised on a farm where he was bored out of his skull!