Notes from 25

Written By Sky McKenna

Everyone writes those “25 lessons at 25” posts. But if I’m being honest, I don’t have 25 polished life lessons to share. What I do have is a mix of things I know for sure, things I’m still figuring out, and things I really want to learn.

This isn’t a manual — it’s just our shared archive of what 25 feels like right now.


What I’ve Learned

  • Get help when you need it. I went way too long ignoring signs of mental health issues, and it caught up to me. Life basics shouldn’t feel impossible. Asking for help is not weakness. It’s how you move forward.

  • What you like matters. After high school, it’s impossible to fake interest forever. You can’t build a whole life on things that don’t light you up.

  • Put yourself first. People come and go — friends, partners, coworkers. But your health, your career, your sense of self? That’s yours forever.

  • Family is the anchor. I wouldn’t be where I am without mine, and I try not to take that for granted.

 

What I’m Learning

  • How to actually communicate. Small talk isn’t dumb. It makes people feel included. I’m also learning not to take every comment personally. Most people’s actions have nothing to do with me.

  • My career. I chose not to finish my STEM degree, and I’m chasing something creative instead. It’s messy, but it feels better.

  • How to be broke without losing it. Living at home, counting gas money, double-checking my bank account. It’s not glamorous, but it’s where I am right now.

 

What I Want to Learn

  • How to move out and stand on my own. I love my family, but I’m ready to build my own space and life.

  • How to be less anxious around people. I don’t want to overthink every interaction — I just want to feel comfortable in my skin.

 

That’s my entry for today. What about you, MGA Collective — what’s something you’ve learned, something you’re still figuring out, and something you want to know at your age?

Until next time,

💖✨

Sky McKenna