A young Cuban proudly shared his recent academic achievements on social media, which include earning a Phi Theta Kappa certificate and being admitted to the University of South Florida (USF). On TikTok, under the handle @itselmanu__, he posted a video revealing his acceptance message from the esteemed USF, marking this milestone as a significant moment in his life.
The official admission message from the university extended congratulations to the young Cuban on behalf of its president, Board of Trustees, students, faculty, and staff, celebrating his acceptance for the spring semester of 2025. The USF commended his academic record, acknowledging his demonstrated potential for success at the university.
In the shared video, he also highlighted another significant achievement: obtaining a Phi Theta Kappa certificate. This prestigious honor society recognizes academic excellence among community college and associate degree program students, underscoring his dedication and academic effort, which have opened doors to remarkable opportunities like his recent admission to USF.
In the comments section, Kirenia Arias (@kireniaarias), presumably his mother, expressed immense pride in her son's accomplishments: “My son, my love, how I’ve cried with this video of pride. I’ve seen you work so hard and watched each achievement and those yet to come. Oh, my son, and above all, keeping your Cuban roots and humility.” She added emotionally, “We give our life, our soul, for our children. Always doing everything to help them move forward, but these children of mine have faced the facts.”
Inspiring Stories of Cuban Success in the U.S.
In June, another young Cuban brought pride to his father when he was accepted into 17 prestigious universities in the United States, including Harvard, Yale, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Carlos Núñez-Sosa, born to a Honduran mother and Cuban father, received affirmative responses from 17 out of the 25 universities to which he applied, ultimately choosing MIT for its vibrant, social, and collaborative community and the opportunity to “study something very advanced.”
Layra de la Caridad Valdés Ramírez, a young Cuban born in Havana, graduated from Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) and dedicated this triumph to her parents. According to the newly graduated dentist, her parents have made significant sacrifices, relinquishing their professional careers and emigrating to provide her with a better future in the United States.
Months earlier, another young Cuban in the U.S. graduated from her Florida high school, proudly wearing a sash featuring the Cuban flag, paying tribute to her heritage.