Even though I'm technically doing the work for class, I think I'm disappointing my teacher because I'm not putting in what he considers extra effort. I think he believes that I'm just coasting by on my work and that I'm not taking his class seriously.

I'll sum up: I'm sticking with easy, familiar topics so I'll be able to do a better job on the assignments, and I'm avoiding an interview assignment (which is not required but strongly recommended. As in, if you don't do an interview, good luck getting any letter of recommendation or good references.)

My teacher wants us to challenge ourselves. I just want to do a good job on my work and not waste anyone else's time with my incompetence.