When I was in hs (and dirt was new), for some reason, kids who were in college prep (no one ever asked ME if that was my plan), were not allowed to take "frivolous" classes like home ec, typing or shorthand - what could a college student POSSIBLY need with those skills???? I taught myself to sew (still a WIP). I still mess up lots of things, but when I'm done, I know how to do it! BTW, I finally made it to college at 45.