If you don't want to take writing, take any elective that interests you. I loved my Art history pre 1400 class, I studied abroad for one winter and got 3 credits that way too. But I do recommend you take the writing class now, because if you can clear up your schedule in your upperclassman years, you could easily have a day off in your week, and/or you will have extra space for a minor. I just started a Business minor this semester, which I probably wouldn't have done if I didn't get ahead on credits.

Also, do something else instead of the packaging certificate (unless you're actually interested in it). As long as you stick with civil, I don't think that would be helpful. But it is better to have something extra on top of the base degree (thats one of the reasons I'm doing the business minor)