Cuban actress Zajaris Fernández became emotionally overwhelmed during a recent interview on the podcast titled Esto no es un Podcast, as she recalled the most painful moment of her life: her departure from Cuba.
"Man, I think the saddest moment I've had in my life was when I left Cuba. I felt sad, yes. I wanted to leave, but you want to leave because you know there's a world out there that you can't even imagine," she confessed, clearly affected.
Zajaris explained that his decision to emigrate was filled with hope, but also with a deep sense of uprooting that still affects him emotionally to this day.
"You also think that you will arrive at a place where you will experience things differently. Because those who live in Cuba live under a dictatorship. The people who live in a dictatorship ignore everything, absolutely everything. So when you live in Cuba, you think that in the yuma, money grows on trees, like gum. That’s what you believe. And then when you come, you have to face the reality of what life really is," she recounted.
The actress, who emigrated at 24, remembered with sorrow the ties she left behind. “I didn’t come here as a child. I had a husband, I was married, I had a dog. I remember how I left her and everything. And when you think about that moment…,” she said, almost in tears.
Despite the harshness of the migration process, Zajaris also shared how this change in life provided him the opportunity to grow: “You start to realize that when you work hard and put in effort, you can achieve as much as you want. There are no limits. But just imagine being uprooted.”
Frequently asked questions about the pain of the Cuban exile and the migratory experience
Why does Zajaris Fernández consider her departure from Cuba the most painful moment of her life?
Zajaris Fernández believes that the saddest moment of her life was when she emigrated from Cuba because, despite her desire to seek a better world, the process was full of uprooting and caused her to leave behind important ties, such as her husband and her dog. Her experience reflects the pain shared by many Cubans who leave their homeland in search of freedom and opportunities, but face a cultural and emotional shock upon arriving in a new country.
How does the Cuban exile affect individuals emotionally based on experiences shared on social media?
The Cuban exile profoundly affects individuals on an emotional level, generating feelings of nostalgia, pain, and uprooting, especially during festive occasions and significant moments. Accounts from Cubans abroad reflect the sadness of being away from their family and culture, and the challenges of adapting to new realities. This process, although filled with sacrifices, can also provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.
What message does Majela Dueñas convey about Cuban identity in her viral reflection?
Majela Dueñas conveys that being Cuban is a deeply felt experience, filled with memories and emotions tied to the culture and traditions of the island. Her reflection, imbued with nostalgia, highlights how Cuban identity is rooted in everyday life and family relationships, aspects that are intensely felt when living abroad. Her message has resonated with many Cubans who confront the realities of exile.
What emotional difficulties do Cubans face when emigrating, according to psychologist Carelis Conde?
Psychologist Carelis Conde notes that emigrating can have a significant emotional impact, particularly on older individuals, manifesting as anxiety, depression, and emotional dependence. This process requires patience, love, and family support to adapt to a new life. Her message emphasizes the importance of not criticizing and accompanying those grieving for leaving their homeland, understanding that each person experiences exile in a unique way.
How is the pain of being away from family expressed in the experiences of Cuban emigrants?
The pain of being away from family manifests as a deep nostalgia, especially during holidays and family celebrations. Many Cubans express their sadness at not being able to be physically with their loved ones, which amplifies feelings of loneliness and uprootedness. This emotional aspect of exile is a constant theme in the stories of migrants who face the difficult decision of leaving their families in search of a better future.
Filed under:
