Should I take a semester off from learning Japanese?

Question:

I’m a sophomore studying mechanical engineering. I’m about a semester behind where I should be, because I took irrelevant classes to explore another major (computer science, which didn’t go well) and screwed up my math and physics classes. So basically I’ll be retaking some classes next semester, hopefully I’ll raise my GPA up to 3.0.

I figured that I’ll be in school for the next 4-5 years (My school has an integrated Bachelor-Master degree in ME, and I’m very interested.), so I made a decision to study Japanese as a minor. I always wanted to learn a third language, and Japanese seems to best fit my personality, mindset (My first language is an Asian language. I took 3 semesters of French in high school and it didn’t go well. Japanese is easier to speak, write and read IMHO.) and career path.

This upcoming spring semester I’ll be taking 5 classes; one of them is Elementary Japanese II. So the other 4 is a combination of physics, math and engineering classes. However, minoring in Japanese is pulling me back. I feel that I should postpone learning Japanese for now and just focus of my engineering degree. I can always learn the language later.

What do you think?

Answer:

If you think you can do it, do it. but your french classes didn't work out that well.. so i am suggesting that you focus on your majors and get your degree, like you said you can learn it later in life when the school/work environment isn't so stressful. Languages are easier to learn when you are not so stressed and have to worry about the final or test the next day. Give your brain a break, if Mechanical engineering, Physics, and math isn't already a broad subject which you need to know alot about to even know what your talking about, then go for it.