Story by Andrea Lopez, for The Muleskinner—

In an attempt to show the uniqueness of the UCM National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association chapter, senior member Ryan So created a music video parody to recruit new members. His crazy idea took the UCM NSSHLA chapter to the top, with the group placing first in the video contest from the “2012 Charge Up Your Chapter” campaign.

“When I became an officer for NSSLHA, I knew that I wanted to contribute to the organization by recruiting new members and by spreading our organization’s message on a grander scale,” So said.

After getting support from the other NSSLHA officers, So started planning and brainstorming for the masterpiece that was yet to come. Keeping the music and most of the details about the video under wraps, even from those who were dancing in the video, So filmed and edited the video within a month and a half. “I am a perfectionist and don’t like to reveal too much about my work until I am satisfied with it,” So said.

When the parody of Justin Bieber’s song “Boyfriend” premiered, the response was more than So ever imagined. “Having 400 views within two days and being recognized from the national NSSLHA organization was very overwhelming,” So said. “It puts more pressure on what we’ll do next for next year, but I have some ideas and I think we can outdo what we did this year.”

According to a news release, the “Charge Up Your Chapter” campaign is a joint program sponsored by NSSLHA and the American Speech Language Hearing Association to reward local chapters and their members for the level of participation in national programs and activities.

When instructor Kim Stewart began working at UCM three years ago, the adviser position for this organization was open and she took it with no hesitation. “I have thoroughly enjoyed each year and each new executive board,” Stewart said. “I especially enjoy getting to know students on a more personal basis.”

Along with placing first in the video category and competing against 319 chapters located on college campuses in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Greece, Israel and Saudi Arabia, UCM NSSLHA won third place overall and $500 in prize money.

Stewart is most proud of the members because “they are outstanding students who are professional and set high goals which they all strive hard to achieve.”

In addition to their success in the campaign, UCM NSSLHA has more accomplishments that are well worth recognizing. For the 2011-2012 year, they received “Gold” status and and they received “Silver” status for the 2012-2013 school year.

The UCM NSSLHA chapter is highly active in philanthropic events and they host two major events a year. They will be having their fifth annual 5K Walk/Fun Run April 13. During the fall semester the second annual ZUMBA on President Ambrose’s lawn will be during Family Weekend Sept. 21, with the funds going directly toward the THRIVE program at UCM.

“Our club is great because we are an organization that has fun, but we’re also an organization that serves others with the resources that we have,” So said. “Being a helping hand in our community has been very rewarding.”

In addition to the successful video contest, So is the honored recipient of the Missouri Speech Language Hearing Association’s Minority Leadership Award. On Saturday, April 6, he will receive the award at the MSHA president’s luncheon. This award will give So the opportunity to partake in a mentoring program at MSHA’s annual convention. Through the program he will be able to participate in various activities all aimed toward career paths in speech language pathology and audiology.

Although the organization is primarily geared toward speech language pathology and audiology majors, anyone is welcome to join.

“As the music video says, $15 dollars a semester, but it is worth your dough,” So said.

To watch the group’s video, visit youtube.com/watch?v=Pq-mkXR_OCU. For more information about UCM NSSLHA, contact Stewart at kkstewart@ucmo.edu.