A Cuban recounts that she had several jobs when she arrived in the United States: "When you arrive, you have to work because it's like being born again."

The Cuban Nathyy Zaldívar Toro (@nathyy.zaldivar.t) shared her story of how she and her husband succeeded in the United States to motivate other immigrants, especially Cubans, not to give up, in a moving video posted on her TikTok profile.

"When I arrived in this country, I imagined it would be difficult, but I had no idea how much," Zaldívar confessed, who shared that she and her husband had to take on four jobs upon arriving in the United States.

"When I arrived home from work at a hotel, my husband was already home. He worked in home remodeling and had dinner ready for me. After that, we would go together to clean a dealership, and then a 18-screen cinema. We would get home at 3 or 4 in the morning, and the next day we would wake up at 4 in the morning," she recalled, describing the effort they made to start their new life in the United States.

Despite the hard work, Nathyy Zaldívar Toro highlighted the misunderstanding she received from Cuba, where people assumed that working abroad meant having money. "People in Cuba would ask us how we were doing, and we would say we were working. When you say you're working, people think you have money and they start asking you for help because things are bad. Things are bad everywhere," she explained, emphasizing the disconnect between perception and reality.

"When you arrive, you have to work because it's like being born again. You have nothing. You wear clothes that people give you. You see things and it hurts. I didn't even feel like eating because I was here and my children were there. We spent almost 8 months sleeping on an air mattress. My back couldn't take it anymore," she confessed.

Finally, after months of living in precarious conditions, the couple began to improve their situation. "Thanks to God, we were able to get our paperwork done and rent our apartment," he said. With an encouraging message, Zaldívar urged others in similar situations not to despair and to keep pushing forward, reminding them that although the road may be difficult at first, with effort and patience, one can succeed in the United States.

"I want to tell you that if you find yourself with multiple jobs and feel like you’re not making progress, everything is gradual, don’t despair. You will see that you will move forward. Don’t be afraid. If you have two jobs, keep them; that’s how it is at the beginning. Do what you can and don't get depressed. There is always someone good who can help you. Remember that jobs are for working, not for making friendships. There are people who will hurt you, set boundaries. I hope this helps you. I know you will do well. We all go through that, and we will all get through this tough time," he concluded.