As she approaches her second anniversary in Spain, Cuban YouTuber Anita Mateu took to social media to reflect on her experiences, highlighting how the second year has been far more challenging than the first.
In a reflective and emotional video shared on TikTok, Anita described how the first year was filled with excitement and wonder at new experiences: "You're so thrilled because you left Cuba... it's like a fantasy world, seeing everything for the first time... 'wow, everything's so beautiful, look there's food, I can travel,'" said @anita.mateu. However, that initial enthusiasm has gradually given way to other perceptions and feelings.
Anita shared how 2024 has been particularly tough for her: "Once you face reality, not everything is rosy, and more serious matters come into play." Among the most stressful challenges she mentioned was becoming self-employed, which required a significant amount of paperwork. "You have to do so much paperwork that it has caused me enormous stress," she explained, acknowledging that while she doesn't complain about the system, her lack of understanding has led to mistakes: "No matter how much my manager explains, I have many doubts, and I've often made mistakes."
Aside from bureaucratic challenges, the emotional weight of being far from her family has been one of the toughest aspects. She mentioned that although she was initially "dazzled" by everything new, after returning to Cuba for the first time in a year, the feeling of nostalgia has intensified. "I miss my family much more strongly... I can't wait to see them again or have one of them come here." In her words, "you may have material things, but that doesn't fulfill you... what fulfills you the most is being close to your loved ones."
The video has sparked many reactions from her followers, with some empathizing with her feelings and others sharing their own migration experiences: "I'm Cuban and I feel the same, I miss my family more than ever"; "Not everything is easy, but you have to keep going and take advantage of what you've achieved," some commented.
"My partner (who is self-employed) always says that the self-employed in Spain don't live, they survive," added another, while someone else advised: "When you can, bring your parents over, because losing someone while being far away is something you can never overcome." This is not the first time, however, that the young influencer has reflected on her life in Spain. In March 2024, she traveled to Cuba for the first time after a year away and described that experience as "bittersweet." Later, in May, she expressed gratitude in another video for the "normal things" she now has in Spain, such as stable electricity and the availability of food.
Her testimony continues to generate debate among her followers and create a space for reflection on the challenges and rewards of being a migrant, and the constant pain of family separation.
Common Questions About Anita Mateu's Experience in Spain
Anita Mateu's journey as a Cuban migrant in Spain has resonated with many of her followers. Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into her experiences and the broader context of migration challenges.
What were Anita Mateu's initial impressions of Spain?
Anita Mateu initially found Spain to be like a fantasy world, filled with excitement and new experiences. She was thrilled by the abundance of food and the ability to travel freely.
What challenges did Anita face in her second year in Spain?
In her second year, Anita faced significant challenges, including the stress of becoming self-employed and dealing with extensive paperwork. She also felt the emotional weight of being away from her family more acutely.
How has Anita's content resonated with her followers?
Anita's content has struck a chord with many of her followers, who have shared similar feelings of nostalgia and the challenges of migration. Her reflections have sparked a broader conversation about the migrant experience.