“In just six months of working as a cleaning assistant in Brazil, I was able to purchase things that I could only dream of as a doctor in Cuba,” shares Leonor, a Cuban doctor who emigrated in June 2023. She left behind her medical career in Cuba, searching for the stability that her profession failed to provide in her own country. Her account, detailed in a series of TikTok videos on her profile @leonlorde1991, has struck a chord with thousands, sparking a conversation about the challenging realities faced by Cuban professionals who seek opportunities abroad.
Leonor describes her life as a doctor on the island: “In Cuba, I studied for six years to become a doctor, graduated as a general practitioner, and then pursued a two-year specialization in MGI, which is akin to family medicine in other countries.” Despite her dedication and extensive training, the economic hardships were undeniable: “I worked as a doctor from 2015 until 2023, yet I couldn't afford a washing machine or a refrigerator... owning a rice cooker seemed like an unattainable dream. Purchasing a gas stove with an oven was equally out of reach.”
Life in Cuba vs. Life in Brazil: A Stark Contrast
For many Cubans, access to basic comforts often hinges on receiving financial help from abroad or having government connections, Leonor explains in her videos, noting that "in Cuba, ordinary Cubans are all poor." Now settled in Brazil, she reflects on her new life, contrasting it with her past, despite her current job in cleaning rather than practicing medicine. “Draw your own conclusions,” she states in another video, highlighting the stark difference between her previous life and her current situation.
Although her current job is unrelated to her medical training, in just a few months, she has acquired items that were once luxurious dreams in Cuba. Her story resonates deeply with thousands on social media, touching those who feel moved or can relate to her experiences.
Community Support and Diverse Reactions
The comments section of Leonor’s posts is filled with messages of support and solidarity, as well as stories from other emigrants who share their frustrations with the Cuban system. One commenter said, “That's me, living in Mexico. In Cuba, I was a pediatrician; here, I sell in a store.” Another message from Uruguay encouraged, “Go ahead, Cuban sister. I hope you achieve all your life goals. You deserve it.”
However, not all feedback was sympathetic; some questioned her current situation and advised her to validate her medical degree in Brazil. “A doctor is a doctor anywhere. Why work in cleaning? Something doesn't add up,” one user remarked. Conversely, others offered encouragement, reminding her that starting anew in a foreign country is always challenging. “Every beginning is tough, don’t give up. Dream big and work hard to make those dreams a reality,” another person wrote.
Reflecting on the Broader Cuban Experience
Several comments delved into broader issues regarding Cuba and its socialist system. “Socialism is the philosophy of failure,” one follower asserted, while another added, “It's better to clean and have freedom than hold a degree and live humiliated under communism.” Others suggested she consider moving to countries where her medical degree could be more easily recognized, such as Chile or the Dominican Republic.
Leonor’s story encapsulates the experiences of many Cubans who view emigration as a path to achieving the well-being and freedom they feel deprived of in their homeland. As she continues her journey in Brazil, her words resonate on TikTok, inspiring empathy and understanding among those who recognize that even in cleaning, she now has the chance to build a future that seemed impossible in Cuba.