The Cuban-American content creator, Meiling Choy (@meilingchoy), has touched the hearts of thousands on TikTok with a heartfelt video where she shares her deep connection to Cuba—a land she has never set foot on but feels deeply connected to.
"I was born in the United States, and my Spanish might not be perfect, but I am Cuban. I have such a profound love for Cuba... I can't explain it; I feel it in my blood," admitted the young woman. Meiling, who has Cuban-Chinese roots and resides in California, describes how the tales of her grandparents about the island evoke an indescribable longing within her.
"I've had conversations with my grandfather about Cuba, about what it used to be, and I start to cry. I don't know what it's like, but I feel the sorrow of losing that country," she expressed.
Despite English being her primary language, Spanish remains an integral part of her identity, serving as a cultural bridge that connects generations of Cubans in exile. "I don't understand how I can cry for a country, for a land I've never touched, but Cuba lives in our blood. I feel it, and that's enough for me," she added.
Her story has struck a chord among young people in the Cuban diaspora, reminding them that identity transcends physical borders and is rooted in familial memories, a love for culture, and cherished traditions.