Annie Roach
Annie Roach, a senior from Placentia, California, majoring in policy, management and planning, makes a difference at USC through her involvement in extracurricular activities and student organizations.
Currently, Annie is the coordinator and external relations chair for Youths Exploring Passion, a program that mentors pregnant teenagers at Thomas Riley High School in Watts. She is also a peer leadership consultant in the Center for Student Involvement and a peer health educator in Health Promotion and Prevention Services (HPPS).
In addition, Annie is involved in several student organizations, including The Salon, the Mortar Board Senior Honor Society and the Women’s Student Assembly. The Salon is a group of women who get together regularly to share what they've learned from their studies or special lectures. Annie and other members of the Mortar Board Senior Honor Society are currently working on a project to increase student volunteerism at My Friends Place, a resource center for homeless youth. The Women’s Student Assembly is a group that is dedicated to promoting awareness of women's issues.
“The group empowers women to learn and speak out about issues that affect them, and generally works to destroy patriarchy around the world,” said Annie.
Annie particularly appreciates the university’s support of free speech. “I like the fact that on private property, where students could be denied their freedom of speech, we can speak freely and even protest,” said Annie. “[USC] provides an important opportunity for our voices to be heard, which represents a tiny step toward more dialogue between students and the university administration.”
After she graduates in May 2007, Annie plans on moving to San Francisco to work and apply to graduate programs in nonprofit management.