What is a Spouses Club Anyways?

Spouses’ Clubs: What are they good for? 

A few months ago, I came across an article from Military Spouse magazine posing the same question. I realized that 2 years ago, spouses’ groups were a foreign concept to me and it was the question I asked myself. I am now honored to be the president of this social club that is more than a social club, and a support system that is more than just a support system.

The author of that article gave a number of reasons to join a spouses’ group including support and socialization, helping new members, giving back to your community and for just plain FUN. I definitely recommend checking out the great points she makes about spouses’ clubs in general. 

But if you are here on this blog, you may be asking: 

What makes the USU Student Spouses Club different? 

The USU Student Spouses Club is a very unique group because there is no other military medical school (Uniformed Services University). Our students and military members are of all different ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Some are fresh out of college with minimal military experience while others had careers as medics, pilots, Rangers, and SEALs. In turn, that also makes for a very diverse group of spouses with a wealth of expertise and experience. But no matter what your background, we are all figuring out this military medical school thing together. No one comes in knowing what it is like to be a military medical student or spouse. The spouses club is here to help you adjust to this unique military environment, and any question you have is probably one we’ve all had too. So just ask! 

What else does being involved offer me? 

Most simply put, the SSC and all spouses clubs are communities, and many people find friends for life - whether through social events, play dates, or philanthropy events and support while your spouse is away. In the SSC, this can include traveling together on rotations, and always includes home-cooked meals for a new birth or adoption, as well as info sessions for each stage of the medical school experience. 
  

Philanthropy is also a big part of this club. We have been lucky enough to head up our very own event for the past couple of years, the SSC Wounded Warrior Run, but are looking to scale down the scope of the event this year to allow us to focus on other areas of our community as well.

The spouses club may sound like your grandmother's bridge club, but what's in a name? You don’t have to be a ‘spouse’ to be a part of the club, you don’t have to have children to get something out of it, and there are certainly no age/gender restrictions. We welcome girlfriends and boyfriends, fiancés and fiancées, wives and husbands.

In the end, the spouses club is what you make of it. If you are looking to learn more about the military or medical school life, we have that. If you are looking for a new friend group or play date buddies, a way to learn about, help and give back to your community we have that too.

 Any questions? All you have to do is ask!

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