Relocating to another country is never easy, especially when it means leaving behind family and a lifetime of memories. Katy, the mind behind the YouTube channel Aprendedora and a native of Holguín, took a significant step by relocating to the Dominican Republic. She documented her last moments in Cuba and her arrival in Santo Domingo in a video that quickly garnered over 178,000 views and 15,000 likes.
The Final Hours in Cuba
Katy's account begins the night before her departure, with her room in chaos as she packed her bags at 10:30 p.m. By 4 a.m. on the 13th, Katy and her partner Manuel had departed Holguín for Santiago de Cuba’s Antonio Maceo International Airport, as there were no flights from their own city. The journey required purchasing 30 liters of fuel at the exorbitant cost of over 50,000 Cuban pesos, a stark indication of the island's economic disintegration.
Challenges at the Airport
At the airport, Katy faced scrutiny as her luggage, containing books, was inspected, creating tension before boarding. Her dog Santi also needed a veterinary check to be allowed in the cabin.
Listening to Political News
While waiting for her flight, Katy overheard Díaz-Canel’s media address, where he mentioned ongoing negotiations with the United States. "Oh, we didn't know. Oh, we're just finding out now. What a piece of news," Katy reacted at the time.
Reasons for Leaving
The YouTuber candidly shared why she chose to leave after more than six failed attempts to emigrate. "I'm leaving Cuba because I refuse to live in fear of speaking my mind, because I want to help my family live without the constant worry of cooking before the power goes out. I'm leaving because I felt trapped, and no one should live like that in their own country," she declared.
Starting Anew in the Dominican Republic
Upon arriving in Santo Domingo, Katy faced uncertainty without a job or guaranteed housing. "I have no rent, I'm looking for rent, I'm looking for work, I'm looking for everything," she admitted to her followers. She was welcomed by an acquaintance who had been residing there for two years. One of her initial tasks was acquiring two phone lines.
Despite the uncertainty, she appreciates the opportunities the Dominican Republic offers: "This country welcomed me in a way that many others did not," she expressed about the Dominican Republic and its Cuban community. Since 2018, the country has granted residency to over 14,664 Cubans, and in 2025, Cubans topped the list of naturalizations.
A Common Story Among Cubans
Katy’s story mirrors the experiences of countless Cubans who have fled the island amidst energy crises, food and fuel shortages, and soaring inflation.
"Leaving my room felt like both a defeat and a victory. I was forced to leave, yet I am privileged to have the chance to go," summarized Katy. She concluded with a thought that resonates with an entire generation: "Leaving is not the end, but the start of a story you have yet to tell. And now begins my journey as a Cuban emigrant."
Understanding the Cuban Diaspora Experience
Why did Katy choose to leave Cuba?
Katy left Cuba due to the oppressive environment that stifled free expression and the need to support her family without constant power outages.
What challenges did Katy face during her journey?
Katy encountered high fuel costs, luggage inspections at the airport, and uncertainty about housing and employment upon arrival in the Dominican Republic.
How are Cuban emigrants finding new homes in the Dominican Republic?
Since 2018, the Dominican Republic has become a welcoming destination for Cubans, offering residency to thousands and leading in naturalizations by 2025.