A course in cad 2d/3d is useful, but the real benefit is learning the proper techniques to make technical drawings. In the long run, this translates to better communication should you be required to sketch a machine element on paper or draw it in a cad software package.
If you choose engineering you will have to work hard at certain subjects such as math.
If this is what you perceive as "nerdy" then yes, Engineering is for nerds.
P.s Blaming others for your own failure isn't a good habit to start.
one could cannibalize a mouse ( the old style with the rubber ball) and use the parts for a crude encoder mounted the drive wheels (may need one on each side.) This would give you some positioning feedback as it follows the line.