I am a proud and happy mom!

So last weekend, we toured the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa (yeah, I know, like we needed to!) and I am SO glad we did!

Even though we've already spent a lot of time down there this year and Jeff and I have toured it before (I briefly considered going to journalism school there back in '91) we learned SO much about Alabama's history as well as getting to see so many of the new facilities thanks to the 100 million dollar Crimson Tradition fund and learning that Alabama is nationally ranked in so much more than just football!

It absolutely blew us away! It is SO nice and very impressive! And even though it's huge, it's compact--everything is within walking distance (or at least bike riding distance!) and there are shuttles that run all day and night as well. There's even electronic screens inside all the buildings where, if it is raining, you don't have to stand out in the rain waiting on the bus--you can look at the screen and tell how close it is!

Everything is state-of-the-art and new or updated. We even got to see the dorms and all I can say is wow! Why would anyone NOT want to live on campus? It's required for all Freshmen to live on campus because, and I absolutely believe this, they believe the success rate for students is much higher the better connected to campus life they are and this is greatly increased when a student actually lives on campus. The dorms (suites, they are called now) have four to a room but each person has his own bedroom. Two people on one side, two on the other and each pair shares a bathroom. There is a common living/dining/kitchen area with full size fridge and microwave and it is furnished. The furniture is very ergonomical--it can be modified and moved around to create a lot of space and to suit one's liking. The closets are bigger than our closets at home! The entire campus is wireless and free wi-fi.

I knew in my heart that this was where he would want to go. He has pretty much decided (for now and it may change) that he is going to major in Engineering and everyone keeps telling him Auburn, UAH, or Mississippi State are his better choices for that field. But Alabama's School of Engineering is also nationally ranked (you just dont hear much about it because they are so good at so much other) and they are building a new facility as for that as well. Plus if he decides to change his major--he has more opportunities at Alabama because they are so good at everything.

Then we looked at the cost and the scholarship guidelines and discovered that he automatically has a $3500 per year scholarship based on his ACT score alone! That completely covers his tuition!!!! Now we just have to find the money for room, board, books and fees and believe me, we have applied for lots of stuff! I'm confident we can do this. Even if we eventually wind up having to take out loans, we will make this happen for him! He has worked so hard and deserves it.

The girls were even impressed and are now saying they want to go to Alabama as well. Kayti is interested in Anthropology, Journalism and of course, dance & drama so it makes it a good choice for her. Brooke just says she wants to be a cheerleader or a baton twirler for 'bama! lol

But we decided to go ahead and keep our appointment with UAH anyway and Jeff, Dylan and I went up there on Monday. It may be a very good Engineering school but here's the thing--while there's a LOT of opportunity for Engineering majors, there is also a LOT of competition as 40% of the student body majors in Engineering! It's very academic-oriented and while Dylan is a super-smart kid, he's not really "nerdy". I immediately felt that it wouldn't be a good fit for him.

Then we looked at the cost and oh my gosh--TWICE the amount of 'bama and still only the same scholarship amounts. That clinched it right there--he knew he was going to Alabama!

I am SO proud and SO excited for him. I would be proud and happy wherever he decided to go (yes, even Auburn) but truly, this child was BORN to go to Alabama. He's talked about it his whole life and while I'm glad he tried to keep an open mind and considered other options, some things are just meant to be. He has literally worked for this his entire life and deserves to be happy!

So we are gearing up to spend the next four years in Tuscaloosa! ROLL TIDE!