Before the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) Military Spouse Writing Program, my writing experience was limited to scientific and technical writing. I love science and research. But, since becoming a military spouse in 2018, it has been incredibly challenging to find work in my career field of biomedical research.

Frequent moves resulted in inconsistent work and employment gaps. Remote locations further compounded the struggle — my commute to work at one research facility was 2 hours each way! This is an unfortunate reality for our community: military spouses face many employment-related challenges.

Becoming a Military Spouse Writing Program Author

During one of those gaps, my dear friend, Susannah, asked to interview me about our family’s participation in Operation Little Learners in San Diego for a blog she was writing as part of the ASYMCA MSWP. I was intrigued by this new opportunity. I asked her about the program and her overall impression of the experience. With nothing but positive comments, I then begged her to let me know when the program would open up to new participants. When the time came, I applied and was accepted!

The ASYMCA MSWP offered me a way to return to writing and expand my skill set. It was a chance to connect with other spouses who enjoy writing and an opportunity to share my experiences as an ASYMCA participant. The flexibility of remote work would provide firsthand experience to see if writing would be a good career shift, one that could withstand frequent moves and last more than a couple of years. The fact that it was a paid position meant support for our budget.

Growth Through Writing & Workshops

The ASYMCA MSWP has significantly helped me regain my confidence as a writer. And the community support of other military spouse writers has been immeasurable.

Through the many workshops and hands-on practice in the program, I have been able to obtain or grow the following skills:

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Writing for Social Media
• Interviewing
• Photography
• Ad Copy

My knowledge of ASYMCA’s programs and services nationwide has also grown! I love sharing resources with fellow military spouses, wherever they may be stationed.

Overall Impact

One of the most impactful aspects of the program has been honing my ability to convey emotion in writing. This was especially challenging as my previous work focused on objective facts, lacking emotions or opinions. Tears were shed on multiple occasions as I reflected on the challenges of military family life. My editors saw a more vulnerable side of me.

Growth is hard and can be uncomfortable, but absolutely worth it in the end. Knowing that I can write in such a different style means more opportunities for employment and even further growth.

Standout Moments

Navigating Hard Decisions

I recently wrote a blog about geo-baching, something that my husband and I are seriously considering. He has orders to move in just a couple of months, in the middle of the school year. If we do follow him, it won’t be for about six months, or possibly longer. For the blog, I interviewed other military spouses with geo-baching experience. I had hoped interviewing them would help sway our decision, but I was reminded of how intensely personal the decision is and how painful the separation can be.

Peer Review: Insightful Impacts

As part of the MSWP, we occasionally would conduct peer edits. I had the opportunity to edit a blog by fellow military spouse writer, Kalyn. She wrote about her experience growing up as a military child; it was exceptionally thought-provoking to read as the parent of a military child. How will my little girl reflect on her own childhood as a military kid?

Support Programs That Empower Military Families

The ASYMCA Military Spouse Writing Program has been more than just a creative outlet — it’s been a transformative experience. Through skill-building, community connection, and personal storytelling, it has helped me and many others find confidence, purpose, and a renewed sense of identity.

But opportunities like this don’t happen without support. Your donation helps fund programs that uplift military families — not only the Writing Program, but also early childhood education, deployment support, food assistance, and more. These are the services that meet military families exactly where they are and help them thrive through every transition.

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