Ok, so I am pretty sure I already know that most of you are just going to tell me to do what I love and go with my heart, but heres my issue. I'm currently enrolled in one of the best private colleges in my state for computer engineering. It's been my goal to become a computer engineer since middle school, if not before. I am very good at computers, programming, repair, all that jazz, but recently, I've become confused. This on top of my reason for being a part of this forum in the first place (sexuality confusion, dur) really is messing with my head. Well, throughout high school I was involved in out schools tech theater. I actually became quite good at it if i do say so myself. I learned many tricks of the trade, met a lot of really cool people (actors and techies), and even taught my fellow students as well as my teacher things about the equipment. By senior year I was basically running the place. I would often be given the keys and just be in charge of the whole place for the weekend when a group was coming in. Well I toyed with the idea then of going to school for tech theater. This was early senior year, and i still had options open. I talked with my family about it, and my father basically reassured me that the computer thing is what i should stick with and that I could always tailor my computer engineering to tech theater somehow. I went with his plan, but now I am really unsure of myself/my plan again. I do LOVE the theater and all that goes with it. As much as I want to complete college and create the next best gadgets (think iPhone 5g), I cant help think that I'm leaving behind something I've loved for so long. Side notes: College starts in a month. Credits rarely transfer anywhere from this college. This school has a very weak theater club. (think 10 lights) This college I'm attending in a month had 100% placement in the field last year with an average starting salary of $55,000. Thanks in advance for any sorts of advice. Feel free to leave me questions. kthnxbai
So this year upcoming is your first? I'd say at least give this first year a chance. You'll do a lot of basic classes that will be the core of any technology degree even if you end up somewhere else or in some different major. And I'm kinda surprised that you would not be able to shift credits to another school if in the future you wanted to switch. Even if it's not defined, all it usually takes is a petition to the new school, and if your engineering school is as strong as you say, that really shouldn't be a problem. I'd also suggest you look into some tech theater stuff in the community since the school drama department/theater club sucks.
Yes, don't waste your money in theater arts. It's money better spent, honestly. Most theater arts degrees are useless and far less note worthy than a computer specialist degree hon. Sometimes you have to weight the outcome, profitability, flexibility and affordability versus what looks like something fun and easy.
Hi there! I think what might help you is if you look at the pros and cons of completing a computer engineering degree and tech theater. After you have done that, read over the list and leave it aside for a couple of days to think about it. Look at all of your options. Then try to make a decision. There is nothing wrong with starting/continuing on the path towards becoming a computer engineer first and see how it goes. It might very well be that after the first year you decide that maybe computer engineering is not as much of a passion as tech theater. But you might also get a sense of re-conformation of your original desires/interests. So, give it a go. If you decide to change after a year, yes, you will have spent a year and some money but sometimes you have to try things out to be absolutely sure. It would be a shame if you leave one or the other only to realize later on that you should have done the other. A lot of students change their schools, majors, programmes before they settle with something that leaves them with the feeling of 'this is what I really want to do, and was meant to do' so to speak. That said, and again, before you make a final decision, give it some more thought. Do you have access to a career counselor at the college? If you do, maybe try making an appointment before classes start and see if he/she could also give you some feedback. Alternatively, maybe you can have it all, i.e. follow the suggestion of olides84. Continue down the path of becoming a computer engineer and look for a tech theater in the community so not to lose that part of you. Maybe look into that as part of making a decision or coming towards a clearer path. As for questioning your sexuality, yes, it can definitely cause some confusions and emotional roller coaster rides. You have already done an important thing. You have acknowledged that you do have them, which is already an important step. The important thing though is that you do take your time in figuring things out. Going through college and trying to figure your sexual identity out can be very stressful. If you can, try to make an appointment with a counselor at your college. Talking about the feelings that you have, and trying to find answers will help you to make progress on that front as well, and it could minimize the impact that this could have on your academics. The more you talk about it, and don't allow your feelings and thoughts to bubble up inside of you, the 'easier' it might be in dealing with them and coming to terms with it. A counselor is an invaluable part of your support network. Also, check out your college website and see if you can find some info on a LGBT support group on campus. If there is one, and if you want and feel okay with it, try to check them out. LGBT groups are usually welcoming and it gives you an opportunity to meet others who have gone or are going through a similar situation. Alternatively, you could also try finding a support group with in the community, such as a PFLAG chapter or another LGBT support group. Building your support network and having people around you to whom you can turn talk to, can really help you in figuring things out. Also, stick around on EC, and try talking with a few members, and I'm sure it will also help you. Hope this helps a bit!
Go with the theater if you cannot live without it, and only then. Otherwise you're better off with the computer engineer degree. Honestly, unless you're serious that acting is going to be your profession then the other degree will serve much better in life. You can always act in your community theaters too after college with a good degree, while if you go with the other route you must either become an actor or become an acting teacher. It's up to you.
@ oldies: yes, this will be my first year. @ enigma: I see lighting design using CAD, programming lighting, getting just the right look for a show or scene, and the logistics of rigging to be a challenge. That said, I find computer programming to also be a challenge, but also fun. @ Asteroid: Wow! Thanks for the lengthy reply. I don't have much of a choice but to try this for a year at least. I would lose all support from my parents if I didnt even try, not to mention the fact that its too late to start somewhere decent for tech theater. I'm working on connections in the area near my campus already with the local performing arts centers. I'm working on a comparison of the careers right now to see where each would lead me. @ Jack: Though I do enjoy acting, I know it is way too hard of a profession. I'd rather be that guy at the rock concerts who is making those lights flash in your face. That's TECH theater for you... Thanks to all.
