Wong and other presidential spouses say their roles are like full-time jobs in which they could conceivably meet with constituents, host an event, or make public appearances every day. It is not uncommon, they say, to have to turn down invitations or decline requests because of time constraints and scheduling conflicts.
A physical therapist, Shirvani began working part time for CSUS athletics last year. She has worked in health care for more than 20 years, including for private companies. “My career is second to representing the university as the president’s wife,” she says. “But I try not to let my being his wife affect my patients. When I work with patients, they are my first obligation.”
Not surprisingly, presidential spouses rarely see one another, the exceptions being development seminars such as those offered by NASULGC. “It’s a good place to talk, get advice,” Foster says.
Perhaps the common challenge they face is balancing their public roles with a private life, says Wong, who has spoken at seminars for spouses new to their ambassador roles. “There’s no easy answer,” she says. “And even though we don’t see one another often, it’s good to know there are others out there in the same position we’re in.”
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