You hit some points dead on. Your personal experience will in no doubt help (warn?) prospective Construction Majors know what they're getting into.
kumquat, your best bet is to contact the admissions office of Cal Poly SLO and explain your personal situation. Then continually build a rapport with the admission staff and continue to make contacts with important staff members.
http://www.caed.calpoly.edu/cm.html Don't give up! And good luck.