Danya Galang

The saying goes that everything’s bigger in Texas, and nobody knows that better than University of Houston-Victoria junior Danya Galang.

Galang grew up in the Philippines, but moved to the Lone Star State with her family at age 9. The move was a change that took some adjustment.

“Back in the Philippines, I lived in a village,” she said. “There was one school. We knew everybody in the community and everything was within walking distance. Here, everything was just so much bigger.”

Different or not, Galang said she adjusted quickly. She soon embraced the large shopping malls, movie theaters and other aspects of life in Houston.

She began her college career at an East Texas community college, but moved to UHV where she now majors in psychology.

Galang said she hopes to become a school counselor after graduation. She enjoys being around others and learning the more intricate details of their personalities.

“This is something I feel I can do for the rest of my life,” Galang said, adding that she helps her friends with their problems whenever she can. “I want to help people. I want to make a difference.”

When she isn’t in the classroom or spending time with friends, you can often find Galang on the soccer field. The 22-year-old began playing the sport as a freshman in high school and now plays forward and fullback positions on the UHV women’s team.

“It’s something I want to do until I graduate,” she said. “I love playing soccer.”

The team gets along well on and off the field.

“Being part of the team has been a great experience,” she said, explaining she’s met many new friends through her buddies on the team. “It’s a small world, being part of a soccer community.”

Galang is happy with her decision to attend UHV. Victoria might be larger than that original village where she grew up, but it’s a good fit.

“You have everything you need here,” she said. “It’s not a big city, but it’s big enough. I like it.”