On the 75th anniversary of the Miss Indiana USA pageant, community health major in the Department of Applied Health Science Eniola Oke took the crown.
The pageant was held earlier this summer in Nobelsville, IN. For Oke, this recognition is an honor, but it represents so much more. She never imagined that as a Nigerian immigrant, first generation college student, Air Force Reservist, and student at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington (SPH-B) that she would have such an influential platform to express what is most important to her. Oke is grateful for the chance to represent Indiana and show the value of service.
Oke shares, “I hope to use this title to amplify conversations surrounding military mental health, veteran resources, and the importance of serving the people who have served us.”
Oke says the process to get to this point has been challenging but rewarding for her, balancing school, military responsibilities, and campus involvement, all while being disciplined with her time management. There were moments of doubt, as some experiences felt intimidating or unfamiliar, but she learned to trust herself and continue to show up.
“Winning on my first attempt made the experience even more meaningful because it reminded me that sometimes the opportunities you are afraid to pursue are the ones that can change your life,” says Oke.
Inside the classroom, Oke is expanding her perspective on service. She is taking on subjects about social, environmental, and community factors that impact health outcomes, and making a difference in the campus community. As the founder of the Military Outreach Society, she created a space where military students and veterans can connect.
“My involvement on campus has shown me that public health is not just something you study,” Oke says. “It is something you can actively practice through the communities you serve.”
Service and advocacy are an important part of Oke’s life because she has learned about the difference they can make in a community. She is a strong supporter of mental health resources for veterans and service members.
She adds, “I want to help bridge the gap between those who need support and the resources available to them, while encouraging more open conversations about mental health within military communities.”
Senior year is right around the corner, and in her last two semesters, Oke wants to keep growing the Military Outreach Society and use her new title to continue to create opportunities for advocacy. After graduation, she aspires to become a physician assistant and keep serving in the Air Force. Her goal is to combine her education and experiences to build healthier and stronger military communities.
Oke will next be heading to Miami, Florida to compete at the Miss USA pageant on August 27. Her preparation involves practicing her interview skills, communication, runway, fitness, and presentation. The most important part of her preparation though is remembering to represent her authentic self.
“I want to walk into the competition knowing that I am not just representing Indiana”, says Oke. “I am representing the experiences, communities, and values that have shaped me.”
For more trailblazing stories about our students, faculty, and staff, visit go.iu.edu/48bx.