Meet the Members Monday

Hello, SSC!  My name is Alicia Meyer, one of the new spouses for the class of 2016.  My husband, Charlie, is prior service with the nuclear Navy, and we have two kiddos: Will is almost two and a half and Juliet was just born August 23^rd.  Charlie and I are childhood sweethearts who grew up together in sleepy upstate NY.  We were married in 2007, which was also the year that Charlie was commissioned.  While he was out being a nuclear officer (mostly in Norfolk, VA), I earned my Ph.D. in clinical psychology and currently practice as a child psychologist.  Suffice it to say, my life is a constant balancing act between career and family, a task that has not been made any simpler by the demands of the military!  That said, the Navy has treated us well and we have carved out a happy little life for ourselves, which is why we felt we were now ready to take on the commitment that comes with joining the military medical community.  Thank you all for your warm welcome, and cheers for new adventures!

Making Time for Family

By far one of the hardest things for students to do is balancing school and family. My husband Eamon is now in his fourth year here at USU, and every year our plan for “making family time” has changed. When he started med school, we had our oldest daughter was just six months old. Our second daughter was born over Winter Break of his second year. We have had to work out how to get time with each other as a couple as well as making sure he gets time with the girls.

We have found three things really help us: communication, scheduling, and “date night.” We started talking about how Eamon was going to schedule his week before classes even started his first year. I am a planner, and I like to know what’s coming up. Even if you are not usually a planner, I cannot stress how important communicating about your schedules is! I could share some of what worked for our schedule, but you have to find what works for you and your student. Discuss what your expectations are and what your student’s study needs are... and keep open lines of communication for when these expectations and needs change throughout the year. We came up with a general outline of what the week would look like, and then each week we talked about if something might be different (an exam maybe). In general, Eamon started his day EARLY (he has ALWAYS been an early bird), studied before class, came home in time for dinner with us, and studied more after dinner (sometimes at home, sometimes not). Then, he would take one full weekend day “off” for family time (except sometimes around exams).  Again, this is what worked for us. Some of our friends have flexible schedules that change every day, and some have little or no family time during the week in favor of more weekend time. Most importantly, we always have “date night” on Friday nights (usually entails sitting on our couch chatting or watching a movie because we don’t have/want to pay a babysitter). “Date night” is BY FAR one of the things that has really helped us stay connected and get through these years as a team.  Whether your dates are going out or staying in, whether they are a whole day or just an hour, try to get at least one in a month.

So, this was all a great system for us... then Eamon started rotations. O, boy, was that a tough transition! The hours are crazy and can change every day. Sometimes they think they will be home “for sure” for dinner... only to text at dinner saying they don’t know when they will be done. It is really tough to “schedule” this. Because we now have two kids, evenings get pretty hectic. We decided on a “cut-off” time for keeping the girls up at night. If I haven’t gotten a call/text from him by 6:15 saying he is on his way home (we only live two miles from school), I put them to bed at the normal time. So, there are now days when Eamon doesn’t see them, which he definitely does not like. BUT, we have come up with other ways to keep him and the girls “connected.” If he knows that he won’t see them on a day, he will make a short video to say hi to them and email it to me. He will also try to call around bedtime if he can... or even better Skype/FaceTime. I also send him pictures or short videos of them throughout the week. We also do these tech-y things a lot when he is on an away rotation. As for us as a couple, we definitely do not get as many “date nights” now, but we still try for one every week. Last year, Eamon still had to study a lot on the weekends and at nights, but we tried for at least a half day on the weekend as a family.
If what you are doing doesn’t seem to be working or are just starting out, ask around for what works for other people. I have gotten some great suggestions and advice from my fellow spouses in the SSC. Their experiences are invaluable, and they are always willing to share! See you all at the September meeting!

Written by: Sara Keleher

First Year Spouses - What to Expect

Firstly, Welcome to USUHS…

It’s important to remember that every student and every partner or spouse will have a different experience at USUHS and whatever you feel is normal and ok. Here are just a few thoughts from my experience so far…

For most people, whether new to the military or not, starting medical school and moving to a new city will be a big life change. However there are some major advantages to studying medicine at USUHS rather than other medical schools… for one, the salary! OK it’s not going to make you rich but it is pretty amazing to be paid to study to have a basic housing allowance and living expenses covered, and to finish medical school debt free! ( For my husband and I it was a life saver. I moved to DC from Ireland and was waiting for my visa so I couldn’t work here, but him being paid meant that I could stay here with him instead of having to stay in Ireland and work for the year! So we are very grateful for this.)

As well as the salary, free medical care from Tricare for student and dependents is great! Also prescriptions are filled for free. The USUHS Family Health Clinic on base is convenient and the staff are very efficient. Dental costs a little extra for dependents but it’s worth it. There is a great gym on base with an Olympic size pool and lots of classes - and the best bit is it’s free! So no excuses guys! Other advantages are the military and student discounts! Look out for a full feature on these discounts in later blogs. Movie theaters and restaurants often offer discounts, so don’t forget to ask wherever you go! The movies at Montgomery Mall offer free entry with your military ID and lots of retail shops eg: footlocker, pottery barn also offer discount. And don’t forget shopping on the bases at the Commissary and the Exchange and gas stations are tax free.

You may need to make some adjustments in your routines in order to accommodate the busy schedule your student will have. First year is demanding on them physically and emotionally. There are long hours - the early mornings were the hardest for me. But I know lots of people like getting up and at it with the sunrise so maybe it’s not so bad. The students will have regular exams - it works out about a week of exams every 4 weeks or so, be prepared to have some times when you won’t see much of your student! There may be times of stress and anxiety for the student because of school or for you because you feel a bit neglected or isolated but remember to keep talking to each other - keep the lines of communication open and make time for your relationship even if it’s just getting a coffee at Starbucks or going for a walk. We made a deal that my husband would try to keep one weekend day free so that I could plan something fun and go somewhere - (there are tones of fun things to do in DC and the surroundings for free!). Honestly it didn’t always work out, sometimes - especially weekends before exams - our date day would have to be postponed, but I probably got 2-3 a month which isn’t bad! I think as long as you are flexible and tolerant and keep talking to each other - then you can make it work and have your needs met.

Students sometimes find it difficult to adjust to the workload and the expectations on them. For example, they are usually used to being the top of their class in whatever their previous studies were and now they are in a class full of exceptional people. However the school is very supportive of it’s students (because it has such high standards for entry) and will do whatever it takes to support them to get through their education.

Don’t forget the Student Spouses Club! It’s a wonderful resource for you because it gives you instant access to friends and other people who understand what is going on for you.

So in conclusion, it’s going to be a year of highs and lows and BIG change for you and your partner but hopefully it will also be a really positive experience. Just remember that you are not alone and there is always somebody else feeling similar things to you, so get involved and make the most of your USUHS experience.

Written by: Emma Matthews

Orientation REMINDER

We want to see you at the First-Year SSC Orientation this Wednesday in the USU Cafeteria! Here's a recap of what to expect. View the blog from August 11 for further details.

ORIENTATION SCHEDULE

7:30- 8:00am

Meet and greet over breakfast

8:00- 9:00am

I. "USU Services Available"

Introductions of attendees           

Speakers: Chaplin (religious services), Clinic (go-to medical services), Fleet and Family Services (financial planning, job search assistance, a lot of other cool services) ...did we mention that this is all free? Welcome to the military! 

9:00- 10:30am

II. "Your Student"

Speakers: Company Commanders (military life), Dr. Wittman (student/academic life), Get-to-know-you Activities

10:30- 11:30am

III. "Q&A Panel Sessions" (with students)

Student Panels-- informal setting to ask the questions you've been dying to of second year medical students. There will be several panel options to attend. We encourage attending the Family panel where both med students and spouses will be able answer questions about academic load, military obligations, balancing school and family, lottery, rotations, buying a house, etc.

11:30 - 1:30pm

BBQ Lunch with families, time with sponsors, interest group fair

1:45- 2:00pm USU Campus Tour (optional)

***KID ZONE*** Have kids? Great! Don’t let that hinder you from attending. A supervised kid area (for children of all ages) will be offered in the USU cafeteria from 7:30am to 11:30am. Children will need to be picked up promptly at the closure of panels, prior to attending the BBQ.  

CONTACT INFO

Have questions about Orientation? Please email us at ususscmembership@gmail.com.

Why YOU should join the SSC

Are you new to USUHS? This post is for you...

How many times have you been told that med school is tough and you will have to be a support system for your spouse? I’m sure that it has been countless times, but what about YOU? The Student Spouses Club (SSC) is here to be a support system for you, the spouse. It is important to find that friendship and camaraderie that will be crucial for the next four years of this journey. In the SSC, there is a committee that fits everyone’s personality and interests. Are you looking to find other men and women that value friendship, fun activities and socializing? There is an adult social committee that enjoys events such as pottery painting, outdoor movies and DC tours. Maybe you would love to prepare tasty meals for new moms and dads. The Sunshine Committee blesses our members with 5 meals for moms and dads who are busy with their new bundle of joy! Another popular committee provides support and friendship for moms and dads with little ones. The Parent Tot committee chair plans about one event or play date per week. There are numerous other committees to get involved with including the publications, parties and membership committees.

Another of the fabulous aspects of the Spouses Club is the opportunity to hold a leadership role. You can be nominated to be a chair or co-chair for these committees or even serve on the executive board. Whether your spouse has prior service to the military or you are brand new, we have all learned an abundance of great information through the information sessions that are planned by the vice president. These have included general military information, personal safety, what to expect during rotations, and the lottery system for rotations. Imagine learning all of this new information with great friends that are experiencing the same life changes that you are. It is a great venue to hear from experienced medical school spouses that can provide a sense of comfort to you and your family.

If I haven’t convinced you that the SSC is for you, maybe this will help. Here are the top 5 reasons why you should join the spouses club:

1. You will meet some of your best friends that truly understand the late nights of studying, complaints about difficult tests, and hardships of military movers!
2. You will find other moms and dads that could possibly swap for babysitting! Wouldn’t you love a nice date night?
3. You will learn helpful tips about the military. For example, did you know the baggers at the commissary (reduced-price grocery story for the military only) do not get paid besides the tips they make from customers?
4. Many times you will find out information about scheduling and school before your spouse does… or before they choose to share it with you!
5.  It is truly a place that you will feel needed, loved, and cherished by all of the members!

We hope you join us on August 22 for the Student Spouses Club Orientation. You will not be disappointed!

Written by: Allison Edgar

First-Year SSC Orientation

Calling all incoming USU students, spouses, and significant others! We want to see you at the First-Year SSC Orientation on August 22. Are you a second year spouse who wants to go through Orientation again just in case you missed something the first time around? You're invited too! Here are the details...

Wednesday, August 22

7:30am - 1:30pm

USU Cafeteria, Building B

Why is there an SSC Orientation? While the students have a full week of orientation to get them up to speed on the life of a USU medical student, we feel it is only fair to get the spouses, fiancées, and significant others up to speed on the life of a USU medical student supporter. Our goals are to educate you about the school, the military, and to help foster friendships with others in your same situation. Change is hard; we hope to ease your transition into this next stage of life.

ORIENTATION SCHEDULE

7:30- 8:00am

Meet and greet over breakfast, collect info folders and name tags

8:00- 9:00am

I. "USU Services Available"

Introductions of attendees           

Speakers: Chaplin (religious services), Clinic (go-to medical services), Fleet and Family Services (financial planning, job search assistance, a lot of other cool services) ...did we mention that this is all free? Welcome to the military! 

9:00- 10:30am

II. "Your Student"

Speakers: Company Commanders (military life), Dr. Wittman (student/academic life), Get-to-know-you Activities

10:30- 11:30am

III. "Q&A Panel Sessions" (with students)

Student Panels-- informal setting to ask the questions you've been dying to of second year medical students. There will be several panel options to attend. We encourage attending the Family panel where both med students and spouses will be able answer questions about academic load, military obligations, balancing school and family, lottery, rotations, buying a house, etc.

11:30 - 1:30pm

BBQ Lunch with families, time with sponsors, interest group fair

1:45- 2:00pm USU Campus Tour (optional)

***KID ZONE*** Have kids? Great! Don’t let that hinder you from attending. A supervised kid area (for children of all ages) will be offered in the USU cafeteria from 7:30am to 11:30am. Children will need to be picked up promptly at the closure of panels, prior to attending the BBQ.  

INFORMATIONAL FOLDERS

One of the many reasons why you should attend the Orientation is to pick up this gold mine of information. It will contain information from the speakers and other services offered, secrets of the local area, maps of campus, Military discounts, upcoming events, and more.

If you cannot attend Orientation we still want to offer you this useful tool. Please email us your name in advance, and we will have a folder ready for your student to pick up on that day during the BBQ lunch. Students, we may not have your significant other's email, so please ensure that they receive this vital information. 

GEOGRAPHIC REPRESENTATIVES
Moving to a new location is tough, especially if you have never been there before. We have resources to help you decide the best housing area for you and your family. Our volunteers offer their experience and advice and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Go to the Local Info page on our website.  

CONTACT INFO

Have questions about Orientation? Please email us at ususscmembership@gmail.com.

Summer Fair Fun!

Looking for something to do with your hubby or your family? This has fun written all over it! Check out the largest county fair in the state of MD, the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. From August 10-18 this event has carnival rides, live animals, a variety of entertainment, food and fun activities for all ages. Kids have the opportunity to see all kinds of farm animals up close. Live entertainment includes Monster Trucks, Demolition Derby, "Fair's Got Talent" Competition, and more. You can also purchase quilting, clothing, canned goods, baked goods and veggies from local farmers. Go to the website for a complete schedule of events!

General admission is $10 and Children 11 and under are FREE everyday. Better yet, Thursday, August 16 is MILITARY DAY and there will be FREE admission for all active military in uniform or with a valid military ID until 5 pm.


Hope you're having a great summer!