Miss Earth semi-finalist strives to make a change
At the age of 23, Shannon Roscher has already changed and touched the lives of many people.
Now, as a Miss Earth SA 2014 national semi-finalist, she hopes this campaign will provide her with a greater platform to make a lasting impact.
Besides taking part in the Miss Earth pageant, Shannon has a full schedule on hands.
She works full time for a public relations company, is the content editor of a pageantry magazine, is part owner of an initiative called Deskbags, that provides a solution to education poverty and, to top it all, she will be doing her honours in psychology next year.
Shannon entered the pageant after being inspired by an article written by Miss Earth SA 2013, Ashanti Mbanga.
“I have always been involved with charity and giving back [to the community]; however, I believe that Miss Earth is the kind of platform I need to make the changes that I wish to see in this world,” she says.
In order for Shannon to win this prestigious title, she has to raise funds, collect donations and make this earth a better place during the few months of the competition, until the finals in August.
“This is not a contest, we are all girls who just want to make the world a better place and, regardless of winning or not, we are all already winners as we are changing lives,” she says.
Shannon explains that Miss Earth is a powerful catalyst for environmental activists and humanitarians.
“Miss Earth is about making a sustainable difference and it is not about looks, it is about making a change,” she says.
Being a part of Miss Earth, Shannon’s life has already changed in one way and another.
“If I look back at these 13 weeks, I don’t think my life will ever be the same again,” she adds.
“I have made it my mission to help those in need all around the East Rand, as well as in Gauteng.
“I have helped to establish a veggie garden with over 250 vegetables for Villa Liza Secondary School, in Dawn Park, and I have planted trees for food and shelter at the school.”
Shannon has also been involved in other charity drives and an environmental clean-up.
She recently partnered with Mr SA Top 50 finalist Brett Palframan, to make a difference in the lives of children at the Abraham Kriel Children’s Home, in Benoni.
Between the two contestants they persuaded friends and family to donate their clothing, toys and food to the home.
Shannon does not have any permanent sponsors, but she has received sponsorships from PR Worx, Ballers Indoor Arena, Redisa, Flora Far, Food and Trees and Africa, City Pets and Pep.
If Shannon wins the Miss Earth SA 2014 title, she plans on taking a full year off work, so that she can spend each second on Miss Earth.
“Once my reign is done, I hope to have left a legacy and inspired people to not only help themselves, but others too.” – @IschkeBoksburg
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