Nathyy Zaldívar Toro (@nathyy.zaldivar.t), a Cuban immigrant, shared her inspiring story on TikTok about how she and her husband overcame numerous challenges to build a new life in the United States. Her heartfelt video aims to encourage other immigrants, especially Cubans, not to give up.
"When I arrived in this country, I knew it would be tough, but I had no idea how tough," Zaldívar admitted. She revealed that she and her husband had to take on four jobs between them to make ends meet upon arriving in the U.S.
"After working at a hotel, I would come home to find my husband already there. He worked in house remodeling and would have dinner ready for me. Then, we would go together to clean a dealership and later an 18-screen cinema. We would get home at 3 or 4 in the morning, only to wake up at 4 a.m. the next day," she recounted, describing their grueling schedule in their early days in America.
Despite their hard work, Zaldívar highlighted the misunderstanding from people back in Cuba, who assumed that working abroad meant having money. "People in Cuba would ask how we were doing, and we’d say we were working. When you say working, they think you have money and start asking for help because things are bad there. But things are tough everywhere," she explained, emphasizing the disconnect between perception and reality.
"When you arrive, you have to work because it's like being reborn. You have nothing. You wear clothes that are given to you. Seeing things can be painful. I didn’t even feel like eating because my kids were still in Cuba. We spent almost eight months sleeping on an air mattress. My back couldn't take it anymore," she confessed.
Eventually, after months of living in precarious conditions, the couple began to improve their situation. "Thank God, we were able to get our papers and rent our own apartment," she expressed. Offering a hopeful message, Zaldívar encouraged others in similar situations not to despair and to keep moving forward, reminding them that although the journey may be difficult at first, persistence and patience can lead to success in the U.S.
"With this, I want to tell you that if you find yourself juggling multiple jobs and feel like you're not making progress, take it step by step. Don't get discouraged. You will succeed. Don't be afraid. If you need to work two jobs, do it. That's how it is at the beginning. Do what you can and don't get depressed. There is always someone good who will help you. Remember, you go to work to work, not to make friends. Some people will try to hurt you, so set boundaries. I hope this helps. I know you will do well. We all go through this and we will all get through it," she concluded.
Overcoming Challenges as an Immigrant in the United States
Here are some common questions and answers related to the challenges and experiences of immigrants like Nathyy Zaldívar Toro in the United States.
What kind of jobs do immigrants often have to take when they first arrive in the U.S.?
Many immigrants, like Nathyy Zaldívar Toro, often take on multiple low-paying jobs such as housekeeping, construction, and cleaning services to make ends meet.
Why is there a misunderstanding about the financial status of immigrants working in the U.S.?
People in the immigrants' home countries often assume that working abroad equates to financial prosperity, not realizing the high cost of living and the hard work required to survive in the U.S.
How do immigrants like Nathyy Zaldívar Toro manage to improve their living conditions?
Through persistence, patience, and often multiple jobs, immigrants gradually improve their living conditions. Getting legal documentation and securing a stable place to live are significant milestones in this process.