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Should I take classes that I enjoy or ones that will help me in the future?

At my school, we can take special classes out of the school, like nursing prep, horticulture, culinary, etc. that I'm interested in. I'm torn between multiple though, Culinary, Horticulture, Agriculture, and Educational Careers. Would it be smarter to take the class that will be more beneficial to me in the future, or should I take one that I enjoy that will make my high school more enjoyable? As of now, I think I want to be a teacher and horse trainer/riding instructor, so educational careers or agriculture would probably be the most beneficial, but I also love plants and cooking, so those would probably make my days better and more enjoyable.
This also goes for classes in the school. For example, math. I don't think I'd be a math teacher if I do become a teacher, but I'm pretty good at math and am in the fast-pace math. I'll probably stay in it, but I doubt I'd need much of the more high-level math in my future, so should I take it easy and take the slower one or challenge myself and take the fast-pace one?

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Jamie’s Answer

Hello Cera, Now is the time to explore what interests you about varying areas. Before you set yourself in any one direction, now would be the time to try something that you are yet to experience. Challenge yourself to explore something new, that you're interested in, rather than something where you are already comfortable. You never know what can come up from new experiences.
It may also be helpful for you to write out each Course Title and then make a list under each one about what interests you about each, and what excites you most about each. This may help you decide what you are actually less interested in. Whatever you decide it won't be wrong.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, this is very helpful! Cera
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Lisa’s Answer

I think it's important to do both! Take the classes that will round out your education, but make sure you find something that interests you. You may not "end up" in your chosen field, but you will most likely be able to use the tools you honed in college in whatever field you end up in. For instance, I am a psychology major who has been working at Verizon for 30 years and I have covered a myriad of roles. My background in psychology has helped me to understand and communicate with my peers every day.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, that makes a lot of sense! Cera
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Ryan’s Answer

Hi Cera,

I think you can do both but in order to get there, let's first break down ways to think about your future by recognizing that you have so many great options in the present, you are very lucky! Also, it might be worth noting that you can also change course if you so desire, nothing is immutable along your career path. Balancing enjoyment and ensuring career success is a lifelong endeavor and there is no end goal, there's only the journey. Hopefully, that helps take the pressure off.

Your questions are very introspective and it seems that a place of contention is a mixture between your abilities and capabilities. I think its important to compare and contrast them continually and throughout your education and career goals. Take time to periodically evaluate your progress, with grades, but also with how you feel about the subject matter, your energy input, and your curiosity levels. If you have a constant curiosity about a subject while you're pursuing it, then that's a sign that you're very much aligned, keep going.

When deciding which classes to take, it's important to strike a balance between pursuing your interests and taking classes that will benefit you in the future. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Your career goals: Think about what you want to do in the future and what classes might be beneficial to achieving those goals. If you want to be a teacher or a horse trainer/riding instructor, then taking classes in educational careers or agriculture could be useful.

2. Your interests: Pursuing your interests is important too. Taking classes in culinary or horticulture could provide you with valuable skills and knowledge, and also make high school more enjoyable.

3. Challenge yourself: Taking challenging classes can help you develop valuable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management. Even if you don't think you'll use high-level math in the future, challenging yourself and taking the fast-pace math can be beneficial.

4. Be well-rounded: It's important to be well-rounded and have a diverse range of skills and experiences. Taking classes outside of your comfort zone can help you develop new skills and interests.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which classes to take. Consider your career goals, interests, and the benefits of challenging yourself, and make a decision that feels right for you. Remember, high school is a time to explore and discover new things, so don't be afraid to take classes that spark your curiosity or passion.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the answer! It's super helpful, and I will definitely think about all of that and keep it in mind! Cera
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Shannon’s Answer

Consider your interests as well as your career goals. I would take into consideration the field you want to go into, job demand, projected pay and requirements when selecting your college courses.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the response, I really appreciate it! I will definitely keep this in mind! Cera
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Vikram’s Answer

Our interests evolve over time and when we are in high school, we are still exploring and trying to figure out what we want to pursue. I would recommend balance your time trying a few skills/classes that you like along with basic curriculum that is needed for college and for becoming a teacher in a specific field.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your answer! It's super helpful! Cera
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Farhan’s Answer

Hi Cera,
This is a tuff decision one needs to make whether to decide what they love doing or plan for the ones which would result in better financial returns.
My suggestion is to look for the things you love doing as you will be passionate about those, and then decide out of those which one or two fields can also serve as secure paths.
regards
Farhan
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice, I really appreciate it! Cera
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Jeffrey’s Answer

Learn to enjoy the class's that will help you reach your goals. You can always take classes later on in life that will bring joy to your life.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for giving your opinion!! Cera
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Sheila’s Answer

That is great that you have so many interests! It is definitely ok to be unsure which path is right. Use this time to explore as much as you can. While core classes are important and typically required if you plan on attending college, it is good to be well rounded.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice, it's super helpful and I'll keep it in mind! Cera
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Nivedita’s Answer

Hi Cera,

I would suggest you to prioritise learning whatever interests you. Learning never goes waste. You should always be curious to continuously learn and upskill yourself.
You could also do it like one course of your interest+ 1 course which benefits your career.
But please don't leave your interests and go behind career related courses.
You have plenty of time to explore and figure out what you want to actually do in life, so live the moment, do whatever you feel like. Trust your conscience. Be happy:)
All the best.

Regards,
Nivedita
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! I appreciate your reply, and will definitely keep it in mind! Cera
Thank you comment icon Thank you Cera 😊 Your appreciation means a lot! Nivedita Balaji
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Siddharth’s Answer

I would recommend you thinking through what you would like to pursue in your career and select those courses accordingly. If your confused on what to do with your career then I would say you select the field that can give you a good career with good pay. In that realm I would say start with culinary and see if it help you grow your interest in it.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! This definitely makes sense, and I'll keep it in mind! Cera
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LaTanya’s Answer

You should do a combination of both. Schooling is a time for you to learn what you like and dislike. This is the perfect time to find out what you are good at and what your joys and likes are. Enjoy the process and take it one step at a time... Know that this is the process to get to and do what you want.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the answer! This is very helpful! Cera
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Cindy’s Answer

Definitely try to balance out your course schedules with your core classes needed to fulfill your major and courses that fulfill your personal interests. This will make sure that you aren't feeling overwhelmed each semester. You can also consider that some of the other courses that spark your interest can complement the ones that you will need in your future career path. They can help improve your critical thinking skills, collaboration skills, communications skills, time management skills etc.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice! It makes sense, and I will definitely keep it in mind! Cera
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Rasheed (Muh-Jamiu)’s Answer

I think it's better you do both, because what you seems not to have interest in now might interest you later in future
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the response! I really appreciate the help! Cera
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Dominique’s Answer

You should definitely explore both options. You will have a much happier and healthier career when you are doing somehting you are passionate about. If you have the opportunity to learn more about what interest you, take the opportunity since you will likely learn something that will be beneficial to you in the future.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the response! It's very helpful! Cera
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lillie’s Answer

I would suggest doing a combination of both just so that you know what you want as a career rather than what you want to keep as a hobby. However, you can still take those fun classes that you enjoy like horticulture in college as elective credits. You have plenty of time to commit to a major and it could change at any time. The first 2 years of college are all general education things plus electives so have fun and worry about making a decision when the time is right. You do not have to know what you want to do right now, in 1 year, or in 10.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice!! I really appreciate it! Cera
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Kate’s Answer

You will be most succesful doing something you love Horticulture and culinary can work together nicely Think 'Farm to table'. Plenty of resorts, wineries and other have gardens and restaurants. Try working at a garden center or on a farm growing for restaurant/winery/resort to see if you like it and to explore all the facets of the business. Do an internship.

Kate recommends the following next steps:

research kendall jackson winery garden
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