Best of Both Worlds is here!

By Madalaina Hlava

Ever felt like you were “too much” for one world and “not enough” for another? Same.

I’m an aspiring engineer and I compete in the Miss America Opportunity. I know my way around lighting control systems and the Miss Illinois stage.

And for a long time, people made me feel like I had to choose.

But I’ve learned: you don’t have to.
You can wear steel-toe boots and stilettos. You can be smart, strong, soft, and sparkly, all at once.

So I’m launching a blog series called Best of Both Worlds, a space for the girls who defy expectations and live life on their own terms.

Each week, I’ll dive into topics like confidence, stereotypes, mentorship, and what it really means to lead with both grit and grace.

Because the truth is: we’re not living a double life.
We’re living a full one.

Follow along, and let’s show the world that girls can do both.

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Madalaina Hlava is the current Miss Land of Lincoln (IL). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is the first guest blog in her upcoming series for Section 36 Forevers.