Liosvany Aguiar Lorenzo left Cuba four years ago with his family, fleeing the Cuban regime, and has just crowned that sacrifice with a double achievement: he graduated from high school with honors, ranking in the top 5% of his class, and was selected to receive a scholarship from the Cuban American Educators Association.
The young man shared his story and his thank-you speech with the explicit purpose of inspiring other young Cubans and immigrants to not give up in the face of difficulties.
"Four years ago, we left Cuba, fleeing the Cuban regime in search of freedom, opportunities, and a better future. The journey has not always been easy, but thanks to the sacrifices, hard work, and dedication of my parents, I can stand here today celebrating this achievement," said Liosvany in his acceptance speech.
The young man dedicated special words to his parents, whom he described as his greatest source of motivation: "They have been my biggest inspiration and the example of perseverance that drives me to move forward every day."
Regarding his academic performance, Liosvany was clear: "This achievement represents years of effort, discipline, and dedication, as well as the constant support of my teachers, friends, and family."
He also reflected on the value of the adversities he encountered since arriving in the United States: "Every challenge I faced helped me grow and taught me the importance of perseverance and hard work."
The scholarship she received is awarded annually by the National Association of Cuban American Educators, an organization that represents Cuban-American educators in the United States and Puerto Rico from primary to university level.
This is the award "Dr. Gastón Fernández de la Torriente," funded with 2,000 dollars and aimed at Cuban-American or Cuban students selected through a competition, a program that has been in existence since at least 2018.
Looking ahead, Liosvany has a clear goal: "My goal is to become a cardiologist. I want to dedicate my life to helping others, taking care of people's health, and positively contributing to my community through medicine."
His story is not an isolated case. Last May, the case of Alejandro Fayad, another young Cuban who crossed the border through Mexico, came to light. He studied at the Honors College of Miami Dade College with a GPA of 4.0 and received a full scholarship to Princeton University, in a program that selects only 20 students from nearly 2,800 applicants nationwide.
These stories reflect the efforts of a generation of young Cubans who, despite the challenges of forced emigration due to the dictatorship, succeed in excelling in the American educational system.
Liosvany closed his speech with a message directed at those still struggling to find their way: "I hope my story can serve as inspiration for other young immigrants who, like me, came to this country seeking an opportunity to build a better future. Your support has an impact that goes far beyond the economic; it inspires hope, opens doors, and helps transform dreams into realities."
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