Learning Old (= unspoken) Languages vs. Learning Modern (= spoken) Languages

For me, there was always a big difference between learning Latin, a language that is not spoken nowadays, and learning modern, spoken languages. To be honest, I did not like Latin classes at school. Even though I understood the "system" of the language and did not face major difficulties, I always struggled in motivating myself to study for that subject. In contrast, my motivation to study for modern language subjects was much bigger as I could make sense of why they might be useful for me and liked to practice speaking and listening to audio material in those languages. However, I notice again and again how useful it is to know Latin and appreciate that.