In today's society it is not uncommon to have a female professor. I'll admit it is more common for me since my majors are within the humanities, but still there are plenty female professors when I walk down the math hall or through the business building. So why is it when I talk to a friend about a professor being weird or if they timed me during my speech, why did they use the pronoun he?

In just this past Presidential Election two women were nominees. After 45 presidents, the United States is still one of the last democratic nations to have a female as their country's leader. The United States prides itself on holding human rights so high, and yet we still have a thick glass ceiling over the position of leadership a woman can hold.

History has led us to this downfall. From British colony home-makers, to the 50s mother who's only job was to take care of the children and cook for the husband. Throughout the years woman have made incredible strides there are plenty of woman governors, congresswoman, and CEOs. Yet there is still the stereotype that a woman's ultimate purpose is to carry a child and raise a family.

I'll admit I look forward to the day that I can say I am a mother, but that is not my only goal in life. I plan to have an amazing career and work to make the world a better place as well as being a mother. I respect those woman who have no desire to be a mother because although that is what they have the capability to do, that is not their only purpose in life — it's not their only potential.

It is not specifically anyone's fault that we fall into believing these stereotypes. We are socialized to believe certain things are for men and certain things are for women. I have always wanted to be tough and be one of the guys, but my personality and socialization has pulled me to be more of what society expects. If I ever have children, I hope that I can teach them that they can pursue anything they wish when they grow up and that there really are no limits in life, especially based on their gender.