Revisited--Training to Be a Mom

I've written about this before in my post "Training to Be a Mom by Becoming an Engineer". But for some reason, I'm feeling the need to write about it again. Probably because its time, once again, for the STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Career Fair. There are multiple info sessions going on every night for various companies. Everybody comes to school dressed for success in order to impress the recruiters. Everyone is trying to get an interview. It's at this time that everyone updates their Link'dIn accounts and makes sure their resumes are perfect (even printed on expensive paper).

But not me.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not the only one sitting out--but it sure does feel like it sometimes. And the thing about it is, I could get hired. I can picture myself having a career and honestly, I would do well. But when I picture my future, in my heart that's not what I see. What I see is not two working parents. What I see is not me dressed in business casual everyday.

What I see instead is being at home with my kids. I see me working on my own projects when I can, whether it be in sewing, programming, or writing. I see me doing fun projects with my kids and planning parties. I see me being there to take care of my sick child. And even though I know (or at least, I think I know) I could be successful in business, that's not what I think will make me happy.

I just want to be a mom. Why is that so hard? Why do I feel that being gifted means I have to "contribute to society" (whatever that means)? I honestly feel like there are so many messages pushing women to "go against the grain" and "fight oppression in the workforce". But where is my voice? Ever stop to think that some people want to stay home? Not because we are lazy, being a stay at home mom is hard, but because it might actually make us happy.

Please don't misunderstand me and think I am degrading working moms at all. I'm not. At some point, maybe I'll even look into working from home. My point is not to compare those that stay home and those that don't. (Some don't have a choice and have to work.) Instead, my point is that there are pressures from both sides, to stay at home or to work. And it's ridiculous. Why can't both sides be accepted? Why is there this draw to prove one side better when really the question should be 'what is better for me'?

I'm a Chemical Engineering major with a Computer Science minor. And I just want to be a Wife and Mom.

                           

Never Forget

I was almost 7 on September 11, 2001. I remember I was getting ready for school when my mom got a phone call from my dad, who should have been on a plane. He said she had to turn the news on. I remember walking into our living room and re-watching the horror of the towers over and over and over again. I felt that something terrible had happened, something important, even if I didn't really understand it. I remember my mom being in a panic and not knowing what to do. Apparently, my dad had actually been on the runway ready for takeoff when the pilot announced that they were evacuating the airport. Everyone had to leave.

But I also remember that after that day, we all came together. "God Bless America" was the revived slogan. American flags were flown everywhere. "Never Forget" was not just talked about, it was felt. Everyone was more grateful for their families. We were proud of our country.

So today, September 11, 2015 we need to share our stories. Mine is short. I only remember that morning and then the reactions afterwards around the community. But I am 20. Some of the freshman coming into college are not even 18. They were about 4 when the towers were hit. Do they remember? Do they know what it feels like to come together as a nation? Never Forget means sharing what we remember. It means reminding each other that we stand together despite our differences. This is our history and we have the opportunity to write it.