When I was a little girl, I often played “Doctor” with my little sisters. I set up my clinic in the bathroom and carefully examined my patients. My favorite diagnosis was a broken arm because I could then ever-so-carefully create a cast out of water and toilet paper – wrapping it gently ’round and ’round the injured limb.

As the years passed from elementary to middle to high school, I still considered going the medical route. I certainly had the qualities necessary – I loved school and could easily see myself in academia for a long stretch. I also have a natural ability to memorize things. I’ll often look at a word/paragraph once and be able to recall it instantly.

Somewhere between childhood and young adulthood, I was enticed away from science by literature and poetry. The English language and all of its marvels captivated me. I went on to study English at the undergraduate level, then went to seminary very briefly, and then eventually landed on getting a masters in school counseling. It’s funny how life unravels – a series of choices based on the places we are, the people we meet, and the doors that we walk through.

Someday I still might like to get my PhD. Maybe. I wouldn’t go the medical route though (too many years, too much time away from my family), but perhaps I could pursue a doctorate in Family Studies or Communications. That said, it’s really not on my radar right now. I’m already “studying” my family and I’m learning more about communication right now than I ever could in a classroom.

Sometimes people talk about having “mommy brain” or feeling like their mental capacity is draining from at-home motherhood, but I don’t buy it. I am more innovative, bright, and courageous than I ever was. I am constantly reading, studying, writing, collaborating, and creating. My kids inspire me to be the best version of myself. I am more qualified than ever to do research, to speak at conferences, to write books, and to serve as a consultant.

I am choosing to be an at-home mother and I firmly believe that my education and my credentials are not wasted in this line of work. On the contrary, my intellect is sharpened daily as I teach, inspire, and play with my two daughters.

P.S. I’m wearing scrubs in these pictures not because I’m a doctor and not because it’s Halloween (although it would make a great costume…), but because one of my readers gave me the best idea awhile back. She said she wears scrubs around the house because they are as comfortable as PJs, but you don’t have to run for cover if a neighbor or the UPS guy happens to stop by. I thought that it was such a brilliant idea that I decided to steal it.

So whether you just want to wear a pair around the house or you really do work in the medical industry (as a doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant, dentist, or dental assistant), I encourage you to check out Scrubs & Beyond - an online destination for medical scrubs and uniforms. The company offers 25 different brands, including Baby Phat Scrubs, Disney Scrubs, Grey’s Anatomy Scrubs, and IguanaMed Scrubs. Scrubs & Beyond also has an online outlet, home of $8.99 specials and other great clearance items.

YOUR TURN: What did you want to be when you were growing up?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a $25 gift card to Scrubs & Beyond. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Saturday, November 7th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #15 Sara. Congratulations!