Please read the following speeches and vote using the google form at the bottom of this post.
Voting for online members (and anyone who needs to vote online due to missing the meeting) will occur from 6pm Tuesday, April 22nd to 6pm Wednesday, April 23rd. Winners will be announced via list serv e-mail and on the NSSLHA facebook page by the end of the night on Wednesday.
SECRETARY
Hello, my name is Paola Huerta and I am a second year CSD student majoring in speech language pathology. I have been a member of NSSLHA since spring of last year, and I'm confident that the knowledge I've gained since then has prepared me to handle the responsibility as your secretary. I have former experience with this position from both my high school yearbook club and glee club, and I believe my personal attributes can prove themselves extremely beneficiary as well. I like to consider myself extremely organized and prompt, which are two qualities highly needed to perform well as your secretary. One of my main responsibilities includes our NSSLHA blog, which is an excellent resource in providing anything and everything NSSLHA related, from meeting minutes to the upcoming events sheet. If I am elected as your secretary for NSSLHA, I intend to post any updates and minutes following our meetings and utilize the calendar as an overview of any events occurring throughout the month. I would also like to make the blog a little more user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing in a new collaboration in which I'd like to include any event photos provided by the historian. I'd like for all members to maintain themselves informed of all of the great and insightful functions NSSLHA has to offer, alongside treasuring memories we've made with one another. I will also try to be as prompt as possible in keeping you all aware of any points you accumulate throughout the semester since they are important for TSHA and overall recognition as an active member. I believe I can work hard in keeping NSSLHA organized and I hope you all consider me appropriate for the job.
NSSLHA has been such a great experience and has given me so much, and I feel if I am given the opportunity that I can give more back to it. I'm open to constructive criticism and any ideas or suggestions you may all have that can better suit our organization as a whole, and I feel positive taking on the challenge as your secretary.
Carly Miller
Hey fellow NSSLHA members! My name is Carly Miller and I am a Junior CSD major focusing in both Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. I’m really sorry I couldn’t make it to elections, but I am studying abroad this semester so this is the closest I could get to giving this speech in person. I really want to be NSSLHA secretary and I’ll let you know why you should want that too! In high school I was secretary for two different organizations, where I was responsible for putting together events, keeping things organized, keeping track of membership, and taking minutes at meetings. So this is not new to me, and I will use my experience to help make NSSLHA more organized and better than ever!
A really important thing for me about being NSSLHA secretary is to have accurate and detailed minutes on the blog, for online members and people who aren’t able to make it to a meeting. I’ve been involved in other organizations in the past where the minutes have been thrown together without very much effort, which can be really frustrating if you want to know what is going on in the organization. So I would make sure that doesn’t happen with NSSLHA, too. Also I know it is important to know your status as a member throughout the semester, so I will be efficient with updating points on an Excel sheet that is easy to read and easy to find on the website. This way you will consistently know your progress toward being an active member!
My sister has cochlear implants and I have been passionate about CSD for as long as I can remember, so I love being a part of an organization where everyone else is passionate about these things as well. I have loved being a part of NSSLHA and I have gotten so much out of it, so it would be great to spend my senior year giving back to this organization as an officer!
SERVICE CHAIR
Good evening!
My name is Diana Mendoza, I am a Senior CSD major. This is my first semester OFFICIALLY in NSSLHA, however, I have come to meetings ever since switching to CSD in 2012.
Speaking of my switch, I know everyone has their story as to why they are in CSD, and I feel that is important to know eachothers. My knowledge of Speech Language Pathology came to me on my road to become a Physician Assistant. I was attending a meeting for Health Occupation Students Association, when we had an SLP come in. She described what types of patients she has, and detailed her job with such enthusiasm. My reasons for becoming a PA were covered within what she said. Growing up, I had a cousin with Down Syndrome. I saw how much she suffered to simply swallow her favorite foods, and the pain I felt witnessing her endure before passing away drove me to be someone that can help. In the years to come, my grandma would have a stroke, and also had difficulties. I can continue to list what hits home, but I think you all get that this is something I'm passionate about.
Since being in CSD, I have volunteered at Austin Speech Labs, and have interned for Dr. Byrd in the clinic - working with bilingual students that stutter, and now volunteer at Texas School for the Deaf, while initiating a volunteer program at a disadvantaged local elementary school for their Autism program (which will definitely be a regular NSSLHA program, once I get it going).
I do hope to target Speech Language Pathology and Audiology volunteer opportunities, if elected as officer.
I do come with fine print, in that I would like for it to be understood that "I am not a fan of people who do community service, simply to put it on paper (i.e. resume) that they did it. I want people to WANT to make an impact, and put their heart in what it is that they are volunteering for".
Now, I make myself sound incredibly demanding, but I am really nice...I promise:) As an old geezer, I have had the chance to not only volunteer with various other organizations, but I have been a service chair for a service organization called Lending Hearts for 2 years, retired my position, and then took on being in the University-wide event called Project 2014 (whichever year it is)'s Logistics committee, and their Outreach committee. These experiences have taught me how to search and find volunteer opportunities in the Austin area, reach out, and cover all details needed to have the event happen. I have always anticipated issues arising, and take precautions to avoid them. I have come up with ideas already for NSSLHA, and hopefully I will be able to share it with you all. I am organized, driven and networked. Hopefully I can take these skills to help NSSLHA in acquiring several volunteer opportunities.
Thank you for your time, and despite me being a noob of being NSSLHA legit, please vote for me!
Kendall Edison
What qualities do you have that would make you an effective leader for this chapter?
I can contribute a high level of professionalism. I am organized. I have leadership and orator skills. I am punctual and dependable. I do well at multi-tasking and creating detailed goals along with a timeline and procedure to achieve said goals. I feel that I am personable and approachable. I understand how much time and effort goes into creating a successful team and will not take the opportunity of becoming service-chair elect for granted.
What experience do you have that could contribute to the success of this NSSLHA Chapter?
I am an active member in my community. I enjoy volunteer work and make time to volunteer each month. I have served as an officer, so I am experienced and well-versed. I have acted as president of the Speech and Debate team and currently I am the grounds/landscaping manager at my student cooperative until summer and have been for the last year. I work with a team and together we work to accomplish our goals. I am studying psychology and communication sciences and disorders so that my studies may overlap and benefit the hands-on volunteer work I participate in. I worked real jobs before and understand responsibility as I am independently paying to go to school. I have never been fired, I have always left on good terms because I believe its important to create ties and connections rather than burning your bridges. I have always been dependable and hard working whether its for volunteer work, an officership, or as an employee. I have also worked with autistic children as a babysitter/care giver. I am currently volunteering and observing at a pediatric communication therapy clinic where I am exposed to a vast array of personalities, behaviors, and developmental ranges.
In specific regards to my choice of position:
I genuinely enjoy volunteer work. It's what I find meaning in. I plan on having enough volunteer opportunities for everyone to comfortably achieve their service points. I am a firm believer in networking so I hope to expand our service opportunities and try new things! I would also like to see us have more hands on options. My plan is to create a google doc sheet accessible to everyone that will proudly contain volunteer opportunities throughout the semester.
I currently work with these organizations and I love it:
AUSTIN PETS ALIVE!
TOTAL COMMUNICATIONS PEDIATRIC THERAPY SERVICES
AUTISM SPEAKS
GROWING ROOTS
Why is being a member of NSSLHA on your campus important?
Again, I must emphasize my appreciation and very real enjoyment of volunteer work. I find it to not only be fulfilling, but an excellent way to directly affect in a positive way, our local communities and organizations; in addition to, visibly giving back to individuals and families. It feels better to be able to see the work you are putting in help someone in the present time, as opposed to something more vague and distant. Spreading awareness on topics that are not touched on enough, as well as educating the public, is something I value.
What ideas do you have to improve this NSSLHA chapter?
Incentives to have all of points required by a priority date. Waiting until last minute can be stressful on the individual as well as the organization while they are trying to find new opportunities to make up points and scrambling to enter everyone at the very last minute.
Distribution of pamphlets to classes at UT that deal with child/family development, psychology, Special Edu, Com Sci Disorders, etc. as well as other relative clubs/organizations. For example, I spoke about the organization in a few of my classes in hopes of peaking the interest of potential members and recruiting. It was a success! Several individuals have expressed interest in joining next semester! Simple steps like this can vastly increase the dynamic membership of NSSLHA and I'm excited to be a part of its growth!
There are many more ideas that I have and would love to receive more depth from our members to better them!
FUNDRAISING CHAIR
I would love to be secretary for NSSLHA, but if that does not work out I know that I would do a great job as fundraising chair as well. As fundraising chair I would organize more bake sales than we’ve had in the past, so that there are more point opportunities for you guys! I would continue to have profit shares at the typical places, but I think it would be great to also have profit shares at places we haven’t tried too, like Chili’s, Raising Canes, Chick Fil A, and Verts, to change things up a little bit! I want to use the fundraisers to create more point opportunities for you guys, as well as to make as much money as possible for NSSLHA so we can do all of the great things we want to do as a club. I am completely open to any other fundraising ideas and would put so much effort into the position!
Gabby Sepulveda
Hello, my name is Gabby Sepulveda and I am a junior Audiology major. I am running for your 2014-2015 fundraising chair! I transferred to the major relatively late in the game, so I’ve only been an official CSD student for one semester. However, I have been involved in NSSLHA for the past year and I have really enjoyed it more than I thought I ever would. There are so many of you that I have gotten to know already, and so many more that I would like to in the future. That’s a big part of the reason I want to be an officer for NSSLHA. I also loved going to TSHA, and I really want to be able to raise as much money for that as possible, so that more members can go without having to worry about the cost. I am currently the fundraising chair for Autism Speaks, so I do have some experience with organizing fundraisers. I think my experience would help me out a lot; however, since Autism Speaks is a smaller organization, I’m confident I would still have plenty of room to give as much time as is needed to NSSLHA. I do have a few ideas already, which definitely need some tweaking but could be helpful! I’ve learned in my other organizations that having holiday based fundraisers (like selling chocolate roses on Valentine’s Day or ornaments on Christmas) is generally more successful than random bake sales, because people love giving other people presents. Also, if we can think of games and raffles to incorporate with those bake sales which have to do with CSD in some way, I think that would be super fun. Anyhow, I hope I’ve convinced you all that I can do a good job for NSSLHA :) Have a great day everyone!
SOCIAL CHAIR
To Tyler’s NSSHLA and CSD friends: As a sophomore interested in Audiology, and a member of TX NSSLHA for two semesters, Tyler Hawthorne has loved getting to socialize with UT students who have similar aspirations. He has also been a member of the UT Pep band, UT Men’s Chorus, and Texas APO. In these organizations, he’s held officer positions, and was selected onto a membership/fellowship committee. He’s a pretty social guy; He’s so social this is written in third person, because he’d have too much to say if he could use the word “I.” He finds the human sensory systems intriguing, and is highly interested in acquired hearing losses, hearing-protection technology for the military, musician’s earpieces, and Deaf Culture. His favorite NSSLHA memory so far was getting to attend TSHA classes and spending time with everyone in Houston. He learned quite a bit there, met two of the students recently accepted to the UT AuD program, and loved how delightful and outgoing all of his CSD peeps were. He’d love to utilize his superior organizational skills to plan UT NSSLHA’s 2015 TSHA adventure. He’s loved attending past socials and can’t wait to plan them in the future! His formal and informal social event ideas include—supporting TSD at a football game, the annual tailgate, a back-to-school waterpark/pool event, watching the Austin bats, attending an Austin Deaf-organization’s event, #TXNSSLHAgoesDT, a picnic/volleyball day at Peace Park, a mixer with the TX State NSSLHA, a mixer with another UT Communications’ organization, and study outings. Working with other officers, he will plan profit shares with the Fundraising chair, and a volunteer mixer/social with the Service chair. Detailed social event budget proposals will be written for the treasurer, and he’ll work with Publicity chair to promote an increase in usage of “#TXNSSLHA” on social media, and he’ll frequently report to the Presidents. He will constantly strive to uphold and execute the duties and responsibilities of the social chair, increase communication among all NSSLHA members, and stay in close contact with fellow officers. Planning at least two socials a month, Tyler fancies to increase the familial love, friendships, and support among the TX NSSLHA family!
TREASURER
Hi everyone!
My name is Andrea Keller and I'm going to be a fourth year Spanish Linguistics and CSD student this upcoming school year. This past year I was the Service Chair for NSSLHA, and because I greatly enjoyed my experience and time as a leader within NSSLHA I'm wanting to run as treasurer for this next year. Service Chair this past year taught me a lot about responsibility and organization and I feel that as your treasurer next year I'd be more than qualified to be an excellent money-keeper. Because I was an officer this past year I know the ins and outs of what it takes to be treasurer. Hayden and Ashley have thoroughly explained the duties to me. I've seen all the responsibilities Ashley had this past year such as collecting dues, cashing in checks once a week at Chase bank, getting money grants from the student government, and keeping track of our finances. Aside from the actual duties of treasurer, I'm really passionate about NSSLHA and all of the wonderful things we do as an organization. It's been wonderful getting to know everyone and observe all the amazing things each and every one of you do.
Thanks for your time,
Andrea Keller
HISTORIAN
Hey everyone, I’m Amanda Aguirre (preferably to be known as Mandy)!
I’m in the running to become the Historian for the 2014-2015 UT NSSLHA year. I have truly enjoyed immersing myself into this club, and I can’t imagine a better way to start off next year than being “that girl with the camera”. Fear not, I know what I’m doing! I have the qualifications for this position, which include:
1. I make for a great wallflower with a camera. I enjoy capturing photos (especially when people don’t know it) that best express a club’s purpose and family-like atmosphere. Also, I enjoy editing photos with the subpar Paint skills I have and more.
2. I love inclusion. There’s nothing that makes you feel cooler than being tagged in a photo on Facebook with a group of self-driven NSSLHA members, or seeing your face on your own Newsfeed. (It’s bragging rights!) Therefore, I will be constantly updating the page whenever there is an event to share. It’s for the social inclusion!
3. I’ve been a Historian in many clubs throughout high school, and I’m currently a Historian for Operation Smile, here on campus. Additionally, I know that this Historian position entails proper attendance for almost every function; thus, I will be doing my best to have a perfect attendance record.
Now, when it comes to my ideas for the Historian position, this includes:
1. Besides posting the photos on Facebook, I would like to post photos on the blog as well. I would like to incorporate photos of our events into the blog. This could include creating a tab for photos, which could eventually have a link to our Facebook.
2. I believe that having a “Member” tab on the blog could make the inclusion of our members more pronounced. I could take a photo of every member, as in a “picture-day” style, and post them on the blog along with a fun fact or quote. Online members could send a photo in, and I can post these photos on the blog/Facebook to show off our members. I also believe that eventually, faces could be attached to names! (Additionally, I could use these photos for the scrapbook at the end of the year, because I know we all secretly semi-enjoyed our funky high school yearbooks.)
I want nothing more than to contribute to the club that, personally, made my SLP degree plan official, and I promise to always be “that girl with the camera” who guarantees to take a photo of you.
PUBLICITY CHAIR
My name is Emily Ybarbo and I am running for the publicity position. I am a junior speech pathology major from San Marcos, Texas. I am a member of Texas Dance, the competitive dance team for the university. I have been a member for three years and for two of these I have served as publicity/PR chair. In my time as Texas Dance's PR chair, I have given the team a social media presence. I have created and maintained all of our accounts including twitter, instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Through these accounts, I am able to show the world what we're doing, our accomplishments, and give fans outlets to keep up with us.
For NSSHLA, I see many opportunities through social media to attract new members to grow, spread awareness, gain support, and show off the accomplishments of our members and group. Since social media is such a large part of our world now, I think it's important that we put ourselves out there for others to see the work we are doing. My hopes as publicity chair are to expand our visibility and keep other UT students up-to-date with issues important to us by creating twitter, instagram, and Facebook profiles for NSSHLA! I think through these resources we can reach more students to share what is important to us.
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