Back in high school, one of the most common busy-work assignments in English class was the "What I Want To Be When I Grow Up" assignment.

Fifty years ago, almost all the girls would've written about getting married and starting a family.

But today, we have young women aspiring to careers in every conceivable field.

The advancement of women's interests has resulted in doors swinging open in every direction.

But as this world of opportunity presents itself, what has happened to the home and family life so many women once considered their futures?

While many of today's women do plan on having a family at some point, having a career seems much more solid in their futures.

When flatly asked, most girls on campus seem to reply that being happy and having a successful career are their goals in life.

Rarely is family specifically mentioned without prompting.

Because men have not yet shed their traditional role as breadwinners while so many women have gladly shed that of 'homemakers,' I worry for the future of the American family.

Why is it that in today's world the role of housewife is reserved for those who simply have no other amibitions? Why is it that women who chose to be homemakers are considered to have 'failed' somehow?

Raising a family is no longer considered a respectable way for a woman to spend her life.

While I know that the advancement of women is an important cause, why must it be at the cost of the future families of America?

Cannot a strong, independent woman become a caring mother and wife instead of a corporate C.E.O.?

When our empowered female generation is out conquering the world, who will be raising the children who will someday take our place?

It is very important for women to have an equal place in society with men.

But does an 'equal place' necessarily have to mean the exact same jobs, and the exact same lifestyle?

Why is there no power in the office of wife, of mother?

Isn't it just as respectable to say, "I successfully raised a child" instead of "I got the big promotion I was aiming for"?

So what if your version of growth charts is buying bigger shoes every couple months?

Does "power" have to mean dominance in a work setting?

How about the ability to make lunch for your child, the ability to help them with their homework, to keep a happy home for a family?

Why is "I love you, Mommy!" no longer as rewarding as "Good job, the company is happy to have you aboard."

Being a homemaker actually requires a lifetime of hard, diligent work.

First, a woman must prepare herself through education and skills development so that she can help support her family if the need arises.

She must first learn to respect herself and be an autonomous, strong-willed person who can offer support to her family.

This is no easy chore, and it is something to be greatly respected by all around her.

When a girl says, "I want to be a homemaker", she shouldn't be discouraged!

She shouldn't be told that she can do "more" with her life, that there are "better" things out there than just settling down and starting a family.

Isn't it the most noble of acts to completely give yourself to the care of others, of your family and put them first in every way?

Why is being a mother "just" being a mother?

Should we be ashamed of the heritage that nature has so graciously bestowed on us?

Worst of all is the scorn many homemakers get from their peers.

It is implied that women who chose to not work are somehow deficient, lazy or (worst of all) have a poor image of themselves.

Because I chose the route of soccer mom I obviously don't have as much self-respect as a woman in the work force.

In reality, it takes just as much (if not more) personal power to raise a family as forging a successful career. And in the end, who has left the better legacy behind?

A powerful executive may have their name carved on the Board of Directors list, but what about the housewife?

What about the one who had no ambition, no goals, and no self-respect?

She leaves behind living, breathing testaments to her success, her personal respect, and her power.

She leaves children, grand-children, great-grandchildren, a new generation of walking, talking monuments to who she was.

In the end, who do you think chose the better life?