Should I quit engineering?(what to do if a teacher tells you that, you're not good enough?)

This is my first time using this forum sorry if I did anything wrong!!  I've been taking engineering in school for the past 3 years. I've been at the top of my classes for all 3 years. I'm in a new school now, and naturally I chose to be in engineering again. My teacher says I'm not good enough to be in his class. He told me it would be better if I rethink my future and quit engineering as a whole. I don't really know why he would say this, because I have a pretty high grade in his class, and I try to not be a disturbance in his classroom. Of course I don't want to quit engineering. It's my passion and one day I want to be an engineer. I worked hard to get where I am today, but hearing a teacher say that to me, hurt really bad, and I'm thinking about quitting. I told my mom's about it and they said he's just trying to motivate me? I have a 97% in his class, I don't think I'm falling behind in any way.  This really has ruined the confidence I had in myself when it came to engineering. and I don't know what to do. I need some advice please, thank you.

Areas of Impact Computers , Education

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Nance Dicciani , RTM Vital Signs, LLC

Answered Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 10:23 AM

 Hi Arlyn,
I experienced the same type of negative comments not once, but several times during my career. There will always be others who tell you that you can't do something.
When I was in high school some of my teachers told me that engineering was not for "girls" and that I should become a teacher or nurse, or something else THEY considered more appropriate.  My high school principal called me into her office one day and said she heard that I wanted to study engineering. And she gave me the best advice I have ever received - she said "believe in yourself, never let anyone else set boundaries or limits on your dreams, on what you can do, or become or achieve. You are they only one responsible for your life choices. I dare you to believe in yourself and create your own future".  And so, I did.  

Also, your Mom is also right - I had college professor who told me many times that I didn't belong in engineering. In hindsight, he was testing my commitment, as well as toughening me up to handle the world outside of school, where there will be people who are not supportive.

So Arlyn, listen to your heart and your mind, ignore the naysayers, and create your own future.