A Cuban woman who has been living in the United States for four years decided to share four tips on TikTok that, based on her experience, can make a significant difference for those arriving in the country eager to succeed. From learning to drive to knowing how to set boundaries with family in Cuba, her recommendations stem from mistakes she acknowledges having made herself.
This is about Yaniris González (@yanirisgonzalez4), who shared in a TikTok video four things that she believes are essential for progressing in the United States.
"I started doing them a little late, and believe me, it’s much harder now," she confessed at the end of her post.
His first piece of advice is to learn to drive as soon as possible. The Cuban shared that she spent her first three years in the United States without daring to drive due to fear and insecurity, a decision that ultimately impacted both her finances and her job opportunities.
"I spent a lot of money on Uber," he admitted, explaining that he also missed job opportunities because he had no way to get around.
In the United States, having a driver's license can significantly ease daily life, especially in cities where public transportation is limited. Additionally, depending on the state and the process, it can also serve as a form of identification. On the official U.S. Government website, you can find information about driver's licenses for foreigners.
The second piece of advice from Yaniris pertains to money: save, even if it’s just a small amount, but do it consistently.
"It doesn't matter the amount, but the consistency," said the Cuban, who explained that any unforeseen event, such as needing to change the oil in the car, can become a problem when one lacks savings.
For her, the important thing is not to save large amounts but to create the habit. Whether it's ten, twenty, or a hundred dollars, she believes it's essential to set aside some money for when an emergency arises.
However, his third piece of advice addresses a particularly sensitive issue for many Cubans living outside the island: learning to say no to the family when there is no money to help.
Yaniris explained that emigrating does not mean having unlimited resources and that, although there is a desire to support loved ones who remain in Cuba, it is also necessary to take care of one's own economic stability.
"If you have thirty dollars left in your account and what they need is twenty-five, at that moment you can't," he warned.
The Cuban woman recommended learning to respond with phrases like "I can't right now" or "wait two weeks," instead of committing the money needed to cover personal expenses. However, she made a distinction when it comes to genuine health emergencies.
His reflection connects with a situation that frequently sparks debates among Cuban emigrants: the economic pressure some feel to constantly send money to their relatives on the island.
Finally, Yaniris stressed the importance of learning English to have better job opportunities, although she clarified that it is not necessary to master the language perfectly to start getting by.
"I'm not speaking perfect English to you... just adapt your English to your work," he explained.
According to the Cuban, gaining basic knowledge that allows one to communicate in the workplace can open many doors. "It will open up a number of doors you can't even imagine," she stated.
For those who wish to begin studying the language, the U.S. government offers information on resources and programs to learn English in the United States.
Yaniris's advice joins that of other Cubans who use social media to share their experiences as emigrants. Recently, another Cuban known as Miss Delgado advised her compatriots to learn how to live in the United States and make their money work instead of constantly spending it on new phones or cars.
"These little things are going to really help you move forward in life," concluded Yaniris, convinced that these four habits can ease the journey for those looking to build a better future in the United States.
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