Have you ever met a real person who inspired a character in a book? In this episode, you will. Makayla Galler is the real-life inspiration behind Raye in the Charms Book Series—and her story is even more incredible than fiction. She started flying gliders at 15, earned her pilot’s license in high school, and is now working toward becoming a Navy aviator—and maybe even an astronaut one day.

This episode is about what it really takes to build a future: showing up, working hard, managing your time, and putting yourself out there even when it’s uncomfortable. Makayla explains how networking, persistence, communication, and planning helped her move from a student with a dream to someone actively working in aviation and the military pathway. If you’re a student trying to figure out what to do with your life—or a parent trying to help your child find direction—this episode is a roadmap.

🎙 Guest Info

Name: Makayla Galler

Title: Aviation Student, Navy ROTC

Company: Arizona State University

What she really does: Makayla studies aviation and unmanned aerial systems (drones), earned her pilot’s license while still in high school, and is working toward becoming a Navy aviator. She also mentors and inspires students who are interested in aviation, STEM careers, and military service pathways.

🔧 Skills Highlighted in This Episode

• Persistence

• Time Management

• Networking

• Communication (professional, interviews, media, teamwork)

• Spatial Awareness & Safety

• Goal Setting

• Preparation & Advocacy

• Showing Up & Trying New Things

📘 EXPLORE MORE

📖 Buy the books: BooksThatBuildSkills.org/Shop

🎯 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makayla-galler

📚 About the Books Behind This Podcast

The Charms Book Series isn’t just a set of stories—it’s the foundation of everything you see on the Books That Build Skills podcast.Each book follows a curious teen inventor navigating real-world challenges using the same skills our podcast guests talk about—problem-solving, communication, leadership, resilience, and STEM thinking. The podcast shows kids who uses these skills in real life. The books let them practice those skills through story. When kids read the books and watch the podcast together, learning sticks. Characters make choices, face consequences, and solve problems—just like the professionals you’re meeting in this episode. That’s why we say these are books that don’t just entertain… they build skills.📘 Explore the books, read along, and turn every episode into a real-life learning adventure.

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