Susana Pérez, a renowned actress, responded to the heartfelt confession of her colleague, Ulyk Anello, who arrived in Miami in 2023. In a recent interview, Anello admitted that after emigrating, he experienced severe hunger when his Food Stamps ran out, even to the point of having suicidal thoughts.
Pérez drew from her own experiences to offer Anello some much-needed advice. "Ulyk, I arrived here at 55, without knowing English, and with approximately $200 in my wallet. That was all I had. And I had a career too, a career you and everyone else knows. But you know what? I never wanted to die. On the contrary, I wanted to fight, to push forward, to work in any job that came my way," she shared.
The actress went on to describe how she worked for 14 years at a cosmetic surgery clinic, starting as a receptionist—a fact that often astonished clients.
Over time, Pérez managed to climb the professional ladder within the clinic, although she clarified that she never owned the place, contrary to popular belief. "And after that, I've done many things. I can tell you now that I almost live off my profession. That, Ulyk, is what it means to emigrate. But the good news, you know what it is? You have freedom. That's my advice to you, don't get distressed, give yourself time," Pérez concluded.
Susana's response came after a segment from an interview on Destino Tolk went viral, where Anello revealed he had gone up to two days without eating in a week following the withdrawal of his food stamp benefits by the U.S. government.
Challenges and Advice for Cuban Immigrants in the U.S.
Below are some frequently asked questions about the challenges faced by Cuban immigrants in the U.S. and the advice offered by those who have successfully navigated their new lives.
What challenges do Cuban immigrants face when moving to the U.S.?
Cuban immigrants often face challenges such as language barriers, financial instability, and the difficulty of finding employment. Adjusting to a new culture and dealing with the emotional stress of leaving family behind can also be significant hurdles.
How did Susana Pérez manage to succeed in the U.S.?
Susana Pérez succeeded by taking on any job that came her way, starting as a receptionist at a cosmetic surgery clinic. Over 14 years, she climbed the professional ladder and eventually managed to live off her profession as an actress.
What advice did Susana Pérez give to Ulyk Anello?
Susana Pérez advised Ulyk Anello to give himself time and not to get distressed. She emphasized the importance of fighting, pushing forward, and working in any available job to achieve success and enjoy the freedom that comes with emigration.