Sarah Finlay has proven just how time management and goal setting can really impact your life. As a Salute to Spouse Scholarship recipient, Sarah has mastered the task of balancing her responsibilities as Air Force wife, mother and student by implementing those very important skills. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and daughter.
STS: How long have you been married and how did you meet your spouse? Do you have children? If so, what ages? Tell us about your journey through military life.
SF: I have been married to my husband, Dave, for six years. We have one daughter, Kendall, who is six years old. Dave and I met eight years ago while working together at a local restaurant in the small town of Lafayette, NY. He had just graduated from college and was waiting to go to officer training school (OTS). I was working and saving money for college. Eventually, he left for OTS. We agreed on a long distance relationship, as I was not quite ready to leave the comforts of my home town. When I became pregnant, he would fly home a few times a month to go to doctor appointments, etc. Things continued this way until Kendall was born. Shortly after her birth, I realized that I was finally ready to take the plunge and move so that we could be a family. I joined him in South Carolina (our first base). We were married shortly after and life has been great ever since.
STS: What’s the most rewarding (or your favorite) aspect of being a military wife? What is a challenge of being a military spouse?
SF: The most rewarding part of being a military wife is supporting my husband as he serves our country. Of course, there are challenges that come with being married to a service member. The greatest challenge that I have faced was when my husband deployed to Iraq for six months. It was a very difficult time for our entire family.
STS: What has been your proudest moment as a military spouse?
SF: The proudest moments for me have been watching my husband’s hard work pay off. Every time he is promoted or recognized for his hard work, I can’t help but feel extremely proud of him for all of his accomplishments.
STS: Are you a Salute to Spouses Scholarship recipient? What motivated you to continue your education? How do you balance your education with the rest of your military spouse responsibilities?
SF: Being a recipient of the Salute to Spouses Scholarship has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. I would not have been able to afford to continue my education without it. In one of my first classes at Bryant and Stratton College Online, our Instructor had us all make a list of goals. One of my goals was to finish my Associate degree and continue on for my Bachelor degree. Eventually, I received my Associates, but I never forgot that goal that I set for myself. I knew that I had to further my education in order to better myself as a person and have the career that I want. Thanks to the Salute to Spouse Scholarship, I am now working towards that goal and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. When it comes to balancing my education with my responsibilities, it can be a challenge at times. However, good time management skills have helped me to be successful at balancing my education with my life roles.
STS: Tell us a little bit about your work life.
SF: As of right now, I am not working. We recently moved to the DC area, so I plan on looking for a job after we get all settled in. There are plenty of job opportunities in this particular area, so I am very excited to see what’s out there for me.
STS: What plans do you have for the future? What kind of support does a military spouse need to accomplish his or her goals?
SF: My plans for the future are to get my career in the healthcare field started. I want to gain as much work experience as possible, and, at the same time, continue my education at Bryant and Stratton College Online. In order to do this, I will need to rely on my husband for support. I’m sure it will be difficult to balance work, school, and family life, but with my husband and I working together as a team, I know I will be able to do it all and be successful.
STS: Do you have any tips for making friends or finding a support network after each move? What is something that people can do for military spouses within their community?
SF: Moving to a new area can be tough, but I have found that putting yourself out there and getting involved in your community helps a lot. Volunteering, taking a class, or finding a job is a great way to become acquainted with the people and the area. I think people should treat all new members of the community (military or otherwise) with a welcoming attitude. Taking a few moments to introduce yourself and explain a little about the area can really make a difference and help a new person feel welcome.
STS What piece of advice would you give to someone who is about to marry a military service member? What’s the best advice you were given?
SF: Some advice that I would give to someone who is about to marry a service member would be to find balance between your husband’s job and your lifestyle. Never lose sight of your own goals and dreams, whatever they may be. Always support your husband in all that he does, and don’t forget to let him support you in all that you do, as well.
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