Starting from scratch in another country is never easy, and those who have gone through that process know it well. The Cuban TikTok user @gab2girasol recently shared a heartfelt and motivational message directed at those, like herself, who are building a new life in the United States.
“I know that sometimes those of us who have been here for a short time feel like we work and work, and don’t reach the goal we want,” he says in his video. With a calm and thoughtful tone, he encourages other migrants not to despair and to appreciate each stage of the journey. “You have to enjoy the process. If you get frustrated, you will never achieve it,” he adds.
The Cuban woman recalls that upon arriving in the country, she heard advice that she values greatly today, such as not comparing herself to those who have been established for longer. “We, who have been here for three years, complain about the process, which has been tough... but there are things that are now easier than before. Those people had to work hard, without social media, without so many conveniences. And thanks to that, they have what they have.”
In her message, she also emphasizes the importance of independence and entrepreneurship as means of personal growth. “I will always advocate for self-employment. There is nothing like being the owner of your own time,” she asserts with conviction.
The video has generated supportive reactions among other users, many of them also migrants. Some shared their own adaptation stories, while others expressed their gratitude for the message. “It’s true, everything passes and you overcome more and more,” wrote one follower. Another commented, “I remember when I arrived I cried over the language... and now it’s all behind me.”
The words of @gab2girasol not only reflect their experience, but also resonate with a shared sentiment among those who have left their country in search of a better future. Their call for patience, effort, and refraining from comparison with others can be a relief for many who are going through uncertain times.
Because each path is different, and as she herself says, "only God knows when it's really your turn."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Lives of Cuban Migrants in the U.S.
What advice does the Cuban @gab2girasol offer to newcomers in the U.S.?
@gab2girasol advises migrants to enjoy the adaptation process and not to despair. They highlight the importance of not comparing oneself to those who have been in the country longer and value independence and entrepreneurship as forms of personal growth.
How do Cuban migrants face the uncertainty about their legal status in the U.S.?
Many Cuban migrants, especially those with I-220A status, turn to faith and unity to face the uncertainty of their legal situation. They are encouraged to trust in God and stay strong, avoiding news that generates panic and uncertainty.
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