Access Granted: Handing the Educational Keys to the Next Generation

By Shalom Omo-Osagie 

If there is one thing I have learned through my journey in higher education, it’s this: access is not just about getting into college, it’s about believing you belong there in the first place. 

My work in higher education has always been rooted in advocacy. Not just in a broad, abstract way, but in the everyday moments, mentoring students through applications, answering questions they feel like they “should already know,” and reminding them that their dreams are valid. For many students, especially those from underserved communities, navigating the path to college can feel overwhelming and isolating. I see that, and I feel a responsibility to help bridge that gap. 

That’s why my Community Service Initiative centers on college access. It is not just a platform, it is a reflection of my lived experiences, my values, and the students I have had the privilege of working with. I have seen firsthand how access to information, resources, and support can completely change a student’s trajectory. And I have also seen what happens when those things are missing. 

In my role as an Academic Advisor at USC and holding the title of Miss Los Angeles County, I have made it a priority to create spaces where students feel seen, heard, and empowered. Whether that is through one-on-one guidance, workshops, or digital content, my goal is always the same: to demystify the college process and make it feel attainable. 

That mission is coming to life in a special way on April 25th. 

I’m hosting a panel focused on college access in partnership with the Neighborhood Academic Initiative, bringing together professionals from different industries to share their journeys and how education played a role in shaping their paths. This event is about more than just information—it’s about exposure. It is about showing high school students what is possible and helping them connect the dots between where they are now and where they want to be. 

What I’m most excited about is the opportunity for students to hear real stories. Not polished, perfect narratives, but honest reflections, challenges, pivots, and moments of growth. Because the truth is, there’s no one “right” way to succeed, and students deserve to see that. 

This work matters to me because I know what it feels like to have big dreams and the power of someone taking the time to pour into you, to answer your questions, and to remind you that you are capable. That’s what I hope to be for others. 

Higher education has the power to open doors, but only if students have the tools and support to walk through them. My goal is to make sure more students not only reach those doors but feel confident stepping into the spaces beyond them. 

Because access is not just about opportunity…It’s about empowerment. And that’s the work I’m committed to every single day.

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Photos by Nicole Souza

Shalom Omo-Osagie  is the current Miss Los Angeles County (CA). You can follow her on Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Shopping My Mom’s Closet: How Her Style Led Me to My Perfect Gown

By Kaniya Swift

By the time I was 9 years old, my mom and I were the same shoe size. That awkward growth spurt was little Niya’s dream come true, because that finally meant I could fit into her heels. I would often play dress up in my mother’s closet, draping on any clothes she’d allow me to, waiting for the day I could finally take my fashion show beyond the living room. Growing up, dressing up was always celebrated, so it was a challenge for me as an adult when I felt like I had lost that joy. 

There was a time when I felt like I had no style, but truthfully it was because I suppressed it in order to survive. For 5 years, I was in an abusive relationship where it was common for my past partner to control and criticize me, even down to what I would wear. Constant comments and backlash about the outfits I put together quickly taught me that if I dressed myself down, there would be less issues. I began to stop reaching for dresses and heels, until eventually I got rid of my personal style all together. 

6 months ago, I left that relationship and ended up back home with my family. I remember being so happy to be home, but also having a lot less clothes to wear too. Fortunately, my mom welcomed me with open arms and with an open closet also. To experience that child-like wonder again of rummaging through drawers and experimenting with looks and accessories, brought back that joy and healing I needed. Habitually, I’d check my mom’s closet before every appearance, mock interview, and even on headshot day just to see how I could elevate my look. 

Styling myself became fun again as I allowed myself to get creative and plan outfits for competition week. But there was still one look that was the hardest to find… my evening gown. For WEEKS, I searched in store after store, falling in love with many beautiful dresses, but not feeling like I found the right one. I wanted something that reflected this new chapter I’m in: combining my newfound style, while still having this sense of familiarity. It's no surprise that I found my dress when I finally went shopping with my mom. As soon as I tried it on, it was so clear that we found it. It fit like a dream while still having the features I was hoping for in a gown. 

The best part? After securing the gown and heading home, my friend pointed out a strange coincidence. My evening gown’s color, silhouette, and fabric mirrored one of my favorite dresses that has sat in my mom’s closet for years. Neither of us had noticed this when we bought it! Discovering this similarity verified my decision for me, and the gown felt even more special. This unintentional match added a layer of sentiment to my choice, making my evening gown not just a fashion statement, but a connection to the woman whose style has always inspired me. 

The thing is, my mom’s closet is just iconic. What makes a room full of clothes and shoes so special? The woman who collected them. My mom’s closet has grown with her for decades, and it represents all the seasons of life she’s gone through. Sneakers, platforms, heels, lace, leather, denim, and suede all in the same place— some of the items older than me, but all in good care. I hope to achieve this level of preservation in my self-expression as I build my wardrobe back up. More importantly, I’m so grateful for the impact my mom has made in reviving my personal style.

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Kaniya Swift is the current Miss Santa Barbara County (CA). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

My Journey to Miss San Francisco: Part One

By Inika Mehra

The Validation Was Always In the Grit of the Hard Work

Becoming Miss San Francisco gave me validation— and not the kind I spent my adolescent years chasing after. Nor was it proof I was finally “good enough.” 

What it did show me was what was possible to achieve in a short amount of time, in an unfamiliar territory, with no prior experience— with a little passion in my heart, courage in my blood, and purpose in my soul.

I never expected myself to be courageous and daring enough to do something like this— in fact, my first hundred thoughts were filled with hesitancy.  

When I searched up the competition requirements I thought to myself: “There’s no way I am doing this, and there is no way I could pull this off”—but I am so glad that I did it anyway.

 It made me realize that it is actually the continuous and intentional act of pushing back against fear, exhaustion, insecurity, and self-doubt, looking it in its face, and choosing to persevere without the confirmation that it will pay off. 

I didn’t feel ready to add another failure to my life trajectory. And I knew going into it that this was a very real possibility. What were the chances that I could prepare for a five-part competition in less than a month, with no prior experience, and actually win a title? It felt like I was deliberately walking a tightrope with no safety net.

I may have won the title with less than a month of preparatory time, but the reality? The relentless work, the setbacks, and the lessons that made this win possible have been years in the making.

Failure has been my greatest training ground. I have stumbled in leadership roles, faced ridicule from peers, and struggled to speak publicly. While I have felt the raw vulnerability of shame, I have been shaped and refined by the very feeling.

It is the persistent act of pulling myself out of such depths that has grown me into a strong, compassionate, and purpose-driven leader—one who can speak to audiences and show up proudly in public.

It is only through my failures and sorrow that I have built the resilience and empathy I carry in my heart every day.

I am not ashamed of my failures,

I wear them like a badge.

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Photos By Augus Raj Photography

Inika Mehra is the current Miss San Francisco. You can find her on her title's Instagram and/or her personal Instagram. 

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.