An emotional video shared by a Cuban user on TikTok has touched the hearts of thousands, addressing the nostalgia many immigrants feel when far from their homeland. The video, which has garnered over 4,600 likes and hundreds of comments, features a young Cuban woman reflecting on her longing for her native land despite her gratitude for building a better future in the United States.
"I feel so sad. I know it's a process and that over time one adapts, but I can't help but miss what I left behind," Karmen Susana (@krmensu on TikTok) shared at the beginning of her heartfelt reflection.
The Struggle of Adapting to a New Life
In her words, she discussed how many people believe that leaving Cuba will bring immediate happiness, but upon arriving in another place, things are not so simple: "In Cuba, you think that having food and clothes is everything, but once you get here and have everything you always wanted, you realize you start missing what you can't have here."
Although she acknowledges the opportunities the United States has provided her, she misses the human warmth and closeness of her people on the island. "We were born in a country where humanity, warmth, family, and feelings prevail over everything we don't have," she said with nostalgia in her post, sharing the poignant phrase, "Sometimes I wake up and feel like I don't belong here. How do you get rid of everything you lived through for so many years, so many memories of a life... oh my Cuba, how much you hurt."
However, she does not regret emigrating: "I risked my life and my children's lives to come to this country. I am grateful, but I miss my country, I miss my people, my neighbors. Sometimes I wake up and feel like I don't belong here."
Users on the platform were quick to react, many sharing their own experiences and feelings. "Thank God your children are going to study here"; "I've been in Europe for 10 years and, although I've adapted, every time I see memories of Cuba, I feel immense joy"; "It's just as you say, you miss your homeland"; "We come to improve and have a better future, but our hearts shrink when we think of the loved ones we left behind"; "This material part will never fill the joy of spirit of being next to your loved ones and stepping on the land that saw you born"; "You miss everything, from family to neighbors, even if you have everything you dreamed of here," many commented, although not all expressed the same sentiment as some users mentioned they don't miss anything about Cuba.
The video has sparked a deep debate among Cuban immigrants about feelings, longing, doubts, and the long process of adapting to a new country when so much has been left behind.
Addressing the Nostalgia of Cuban Immigrants
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the emotions and challenges faced by Cuban immigrants in adapting to a new life in the United States.
Why do Cuban immigrants feel such strong nostalgia?
Cuban immigrants often feel strong nostalgia due to the deep cultural ties, family connections, and the unique social environment they leave behind. The warmth and closeness of Cuban society can be hard to find in other countries.
How do Cuban immigrants cope with the adaptation process?
Many Cuban immigrants cope with the adaptation process by connecting with other immigrants, participating in cultural events, and maintaining communication with family and friends back home. These activities can help ease the transition and provide emotional support.
Is it common for Cuban immigrants to miss their homeland despite the opportunities in the USA?
Yes, it is common for Cuban immigrants to miss their homeland despite the opportunities in the USA. The emotional and cultural connections to their native country are deeply ingrained and can persist even as they build new lives abroad.