My Journey with the ASYMCA Military Spouse Writing Program
Written by Chelsea Guigma
Hi, my name is Chelsea Guigma. I recently graduated with an undergraduate degree in marketing, a certification in digital marketing and data analytics, and two associate degrees. I consider myself a lifelong learner, readily adapting to the ever-changing world around me. My connection to the military is through my husband, an active-duty service member in the U.S. Army. Honestly, I didn’t have any expectations for the Military Spouse Writing Program—I didn’t know what to expect. I saw it as an opportunity to learn and gain experience as a recent graduate.
Experiences and Highlights
My first blog assignment is one I would like to highlight. Another key moment during the program was our meetings and workshop sessions. Interacting with fellow military spouses, who were in various parts of the world, was incredibly enriching. They were interesting individuals and great writers. The overall experience of these sessions was invaluable, providing me with an opportunity to grow and connect in a unique way.
Skills and Knowledge Gained
The skills and knowledge I acquired through the Military Spouse Writing Program included crafting timeless and relevant content. During last summer’s Evergreen Workshop, I learned how
to keep my content fresh, current, and consistently valuable to readers. Participating in this program has positively impacted both my personal and professional life. I can now think, plan, and write more strategically, ensuring my content stands the test of time and delivers meaningful value.
Challenges and Growth
Throughout my journey in the Military Spouse Writing Program, I faced challenges such as writer’s block and self-doubt about my creative abilities. At times, I felt like giving up. What kept me going was the encouraging feedback, understanding, and continuous support from the Military Spouse Writing Team. I reminded myself that this was a learning opportunity—to identify my weaknesses and understand the expectations of the writing industry.
The sense of responsibility and purpose of being part of a team motivated me to persevere. Being held accountable for fulfilling my role gave me structure and direction. These challenges, coupled with the positive support I received, significantly aided my personal growth. As someone who has experienced long-term unemployment, adapting to change, developing a routine, practicing good time management, and meeting deadlines were not always easy. The Military Spouse Writing Program team was accommodating and understanding and provided me with the space and time I needed to succeed.
The Role of the Community
Interacting with other military spouses enhanced my experience through peer sessions and workshops. The unique experiences and perspectives shared made me feel part of something much bigger than myself—a truly great community.
Our mentor was there every step of the way on our writing journey. She brought us together, helped us understand ASYMCA’s vision, and taught us strategies to align our writing with ASYMCA’s goals. Her guidance also helped us build professional portfolios. The camaraderie and support from ASYMCA’s Military Spouse Writing Team were pivotal in my development during the program.
Recommendation
The ASYMCA Writing Program has made a positive impact on my life this year. I would highly recommend this program to military spouses interested in blogging, writing, and content creation. It’s perfect for those who are looking to gain real-world experience and learn from seasoned professionals in writing, copywriting, and social media content creation.
I especially recommend it to military spouses with unique and exciting experiences related to ASYMCA and military life—those who want to share their insights and uplift others. The ASYMCA Military Spouse Writing Program offers a platform for military spouses who are part of the ASYMCA community to shine, gain confidence, and enhance their writing skills. It also provides the chance to network with other military spouses nationwide and bolster your resume and professional portfolio.
Are you ready to empower and be empowered by sharing your unique military life story through writing? How about joining a community of writers and bloggers who are perfecting their craft? If you want to learn how to write blogs skillfully, then the Military Spouse Writing Program is for you! Apply today!
If you or someone you know would like to support ASYMCA’s program, you can do so here.