A Cuban woman residing in South Carolina thrilled hundreds of followers on TikTok by sharing a video of the moment she moved into her new home. “The big day has arrived,” exclaimed Yaema Galguera (@yaemagalguera), who thanked her virtual community for supporting her during her adjustment to life in the United States.
In the heartfelt video, Yaema reflects on the journey since her arrival in the country: first, she lived with her family in a small two-bedroom apartment, then in a larger three-bedroom one, and finally moved to a two-story house with a yard and garage. “It’s rented, but I won’t stop living my process of having my beautiful home,” she affirmed.
According to what she shared, it was a day full of emotions. The house, equipped with smart technology, initially played a trick on her: “We spent almost an hour trying to open the door,” she commented, referring to the automatic air conditioning system and the garage. Despite the hiccups, she described the home as a place with “good energy” and spaces that have her “in love,” especially the kitchen with an island and the spacious patio where her mother is already dreaming of planting.
“Last year we tried to apply for this house and they denied us. At that moment, we couldn't,” Yaema recalled, explaining that renting a home in the U.S. goes far beyond just having the money. “You have to go through the process,” she emphasized.
The content creator, who shares recipes and experiences under the name “Rincón Cubano por Yaema Galguera,” received an overwhelming amount of congratulations from her followers, many of whom are also Cubans living in South Carolina. From Greenville, Columbia, or Anderson, her compatriots left her messages full of affection, admiration, and hope.
"What a beautiful house, many blessings," commented one user. "You truly deserve it, along with your lovely family," wrote another follower. "The next one will be your own, God willing," predicted a third.
Despite not having any furniture and everything still being disorganized, Yaema feels grateful: “These achievements deserve to be celebrated, no matter how small they may be. In the United States, achieving things requires a lot of hard work,” she concluded with excitement.
With her testimony, this Cuban inspires many other immigrants not to give up and to celebrate every step on their journey toward a better life.
Frequently asked questions about the process of adaptation of Cubans in the United States
What are the main challenges for Cubans when renting a home in the U.S.?
Renting a home in the United States involves much more than simply having the necessary funds. Cubans face processes that include verifying credit history, proving stable income, and meeting legal requirements. Yaema Galguera mentions that, although she attempted to rent her current home last year, she was denied. Ultimately, she managed to rent it after going through the "process," highlighting the importance of patience and perseverance.
What role do social media play in the lives of Cuban immigrants in the U.S.?
Social media is a key tool for Cuban immigrants in the U.S. They allow for sharing experiences, receiving emotional support, and connecting with others in similar situations. For Yaema Galguera, her virtual community has been an important pillar during her adaptation process, receiving congratulations and encouraging messages for her achievements. Social media also serves as a platform to showcase their progress and maintain the connection with their Cuban roots.
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