Choosing Between Engineering Courses and Textile Arts
Next year, I’ll be attending a CTE high school to pursue my passion for commercial and advertising art. However, during the fourth marking period, I’m considering taking some engineering courses, like robotics or an introduction to materials, because I find engineering fascinating. While I don’t plan to become an engineer, it’s a great backup option if my art career doesn’t pan out.
That said, I also have a deep love for textile arts, which I’ve included as a course option for the fourth marking period (I’m currently in the third marking period, ending on March 24, 2025).
So, here’s my dilemma: Should I go for introduction to materials (which includes woodworking and metalworking), robotics, or textile arts?
It sounds like you have some exciting options to consider! Ultimately, your decision should align with your interests and future aspirations. Here are a few points to help you decide:
Passion for Art: Since you have a strong interest in commercial and advertising art, taking courses that enhance your artistic skills could be beneficial. Textile arts may directly tie into your future career, especially if you ever want to incorporate fabric design or textiles into your art.
Exploration of Engineering: If you’re interested in engineering and want to keep that as a backup plan, both the introduction to materials and robotics could provide valuable skills. Robotics might be more geared toward problem-solving and technical skills, while materials could give you hands-on experience with woodworking and metalworking, which can be creatively applied in various fields.
Long-term Goals: Think about where you see yourself in the future. If you envision a career that combines art with technical skills, exploring engineering could be worthwhile. Conversely, if your heart lies solely in the arts, focusing more on textile arts might offer you deeper exploration and satisfaction.
Balance: Consider whether you can balance the courses. If possible, you might be able to take both textile arts and one of the engineering courses if your schedule allows.
In the end, trust your instincts about what excites you the most. Whether you choose textile arts, robotics, or introduction to materials, each choice offers unique opportunities for learning and growth. Good luck!