A year ago, Alexandra (@alexhalopz on TikTok) made one of the most difficult decisions of her life: to leave Cuba and bid farewell to her home, her routine, and the people she loves, in search of a better future. Today, from Costa Rica, she celebrated her first anniversary outside the island by sharing a video that has touched the hearts of many.
In the images, she shared part of her migration journey: Peru, El Salvador, Nicaragua—where she spent some time in Managua with her dad—and finally Costa Rica, the country where she chose to start anew. Each stop was a further step in a path that, as she herself describes, has not been easy.
“Emigrating is not just about changing places; it's about learning to say goodbye while continuing to love,” he wrote in the video description. A phrase that encapsulates the sentiment of thousands of Cubans who have experienced similar processes in recent years.
She also shared a particularly vulnerable moment: the day before her trip, crying in the bathroom, processing what it meant to leave her homeland. This stands in stark contrast to the current images, where she is seen smiling, elegant, and more settled, posing now that she is established in Costa Rica.
The reactions came quickly. Many Costa Ricans welcomed her with messages like “Welcome to all the migrants who come to work and make Costa Rica a better country,” while others asked her what life is like there. She responded with emojis and gestures of gratitude, making it clear that, despite the difficulties, she feels grateful today.
His story is not just that of a young woman celebrating a year away from home. It is a reflection of a generation that has had to rebuild their lives far from their country, carrying nostalgia, hope, and an immense capacity for resilience.
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