By Kelsey Eidson | Staff Writer

Galin Statev arrived in the United States with an eye for contrast.

“The first thing I thought in America was how different everything here is: how polite people are, how clean and big the cities are, and how everything is somehow bigger,” he said.

Now a senior at Johnson, Statev has made the exciting journey from Bulgaria to San Antonio and settled into his life as an American student; though his sights are set far beyond high school.

“I moved here the December before I turned 18, because I wanted to become a citizen.” he said.

Stara Zaroga, Bulgaria, Statev’s snowy home country, differs considerably from the arid climate of Texas.

“The weather is quite cool. There are four seasons, hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Perfect for sea and ski during the different seasons,” Statev said.

Learning an entirely new language is usually challenging when moving to a foreign country, but for Statev, prior knowledge made for a comfortable transition.

“I have been studying English for 7 years in my home country so learning English wasn’t too difficult,” Statev said.

However a minor language barrier still exists between Statev and other students.

“It is really hard to understand Galin sometimes,” junior Ryan Noland said. “But the things he says are usually always funny.”

Statev brings a reliable humor to the classroom and is popular among his classmates.

“He is often the center of attention. Not intentionally, but some things he says or does draws attention to him,” English teacher Daniel Farias said.

Statev also excels academically.

“He is a good student and a good writer,” Farias said. “There are just some cultural things he is still learning about and adjusting to, but he’s a pretty easy going guy, and goes with the flow.”

Statev arrived in the states with only his parents, leaving behind his Bulgarian life with the rest of his family.

“I left all my cousins and other relatives in Bulgaria,” he said.

However, in his mind, the benefits of U.S citizenship outweighs the costs.

“I like it here because lifestyle here is better. Basically it’s better, but I miss my country- its traditions and celebrations.”

Though adjusting has inherent challenges, Statev takes an optimistic approach.

“We came here for a better lifestyle, to live the American dream, make a better living from what we are and make a better life for our children,” he said.

His drive to enhance life for himself and future generations is just one more incredible trait that this senior takes into a waiting world.

“Galin seems like a pretty determined guy,” Farias said. “I think he will accomplish anything he sets out to do.”