A young Cuban woman, Karla Martín, posted a video on TikTok highlighting some things that seemed impossible to her in Cuba but are now normal in the United States. Karla (@karlybeautyservices on the platform) first mentioned driving a car, noting that on the island, she didn't even ride a bicycle because she would fall.
"I used to think that I might not have the ability to drive anything... I never even thought I would need to drive a car. In Cuba, most people who own cars are men, and the women who drove seemed to have some superpower of balance. Then I came to the U.S. and realized that driving is for everyone," she confessed.
"Today, I already have my second car because I broke the first one learning to drive. In fact, I've even driven a boat," she celebrated.
Starting a Business
Another thing she mentioned was starting her own business. "I know this can only be understood by regular Cubans... For me, it was something I thought I couldn't do because opening a business was a talent you were born with. In Cuba, opening a business or creating a company is reserved for people with superpowers. I came here and realized that entrepreneurship is especially for those who have the will to do it."
She also spoke about the importance of choosing what to eat: "If you had asked me three years ago, I would have said that I never went hungry in Cuba, but over the years, I've realized that maybe for me to always have a plate of food, someone else might have had to go without... In Cuba, eating what you want, even with money, was unrealistic to me. I came here and realized that people can choose what they want to eat, whether healthy or not. Something so simple blew my mind," she shared.
Comments flooded in: "I've been in this beautiful country for years and have never driven. I pray to God to give me the strength to overcome my fear of driving"; "That's happening to me, I feel like I'm the one putting obstacles in my way to learning to drive, I think I'm not capable"; "Exactly as you say, believe me, the same happened to me"; "I'm on my third car and learned to drive at 49," shared others.
Common Challenges and Achievements for Cuban Immigrants in the USA
This section addresses some frequently asked questions about the experiences and challenges Cuban immigrants face when transitioning to life in the United States.
What are some common challenges for Cuban immigrants in the USA?
Cuban immigrants often face challenges such as learning to drive, starting a business, and adapting to the freedom of choice in everyday life, including what to eat.
Why do some Cuban immigrants feel overwhelmed by simple choices in the USA?
Many Cuban immigrants are not used to the abundance of choices available in the USA. In Cuba, resources are scarce and choices are limited, so the freedom to choose what to eat or buy can be overwhelming.
How can Cuban immigrants overcome the fear of driving in the USA?
Overcoming the fear of driving can be achieved through practice, taking driving lessons, and building confidence gradually. Support from friends and family can also be beneficial.