A Cuban woman now living in the United States has captured the hearts of thousands on TikTok by sharing her inspirational journey of overcoming adversity since her arrival in 1999. Her story responds defiantly to those who criticize her for posting videos on social media.
Iliana Terzaghi released a brief but poignant video in early August, recounting the struggles she faced upon reaching the U.S.: an abusive husband, a toddler, no family support nearby, and the necessity of biking to work because she couldn't afford a car.
"I came to this country in 1999 when things weren't as easy as they are now," Iliana explains in the video, recorded with the candidness and sincerity that define her online presence.
The Challenges of Cuban Immigrants
The year of her arrival coincided with a particularly challenging time for Cuban immigrants, a period marked by the aftermath of the so-called "Special Period" following the Soviet Union's collapse. Many Cubans entered the U.S. without financial resources, a support network, or any certainty about their future.
Iliana's experience was no different. She took on any honest work she could find, stating, "I've had to work in anything that comes my way, as long as it's honest. I've done it all."
Enduring Personal Losses
In addition to financial hardships, Iliana endured profound personal losses. Her grandmother, who raised her, passed away a year and a half after Iliana arrived in the U.S., and she couldn't see her one last time. Over time, she also lost her grandfather, mother, and brother, missing all their funerals.
"I had to bury my grandfather, my mother, my brother, all my loved ones, and just endure it, because that's the life of an immigrant," she reveals in the video, highlighting a painful, common experience among Cubans living abroad.
A Message of Strength and Resilience
This forced separation—being unable to return to Cuba to bid farewell to loved ones—forms the emotional core of her narrative, resonating strongly with others who have faced similar situations.
Iliana shares that her life improved significantly in recent years: "A few years ago, my life changed for the better, thank God, my life changed." However, the video was not born out of nostalgia but as a direct response to those who question if she feels "ashamed" of making TikTok videos.
Her response was clear: "Why would I be ashamed? I was ashamed of having to bike to work. I was ashamed of not having money for food. I was ashamed of not being able to attend my loved ones' funerals. That was shameful. Making TikTok videos, no, that's not shameful."
Iliana's testimony is part of a growing trend among Cuban emigrant women who share stories of resilience on social media, challenging judgment and reclaiming the migrant's struggle against comments that question their choices or dignity.
Other Cuban women have similarly gone viral, responding to criticism with the same blend of pride and honesty as Iliana's video, whose message boils down to this: anyone who has endured what she has has nothing to be ashamed of.
FAQs about Iliana Terzaghi's Journey
What challenges did Iliana face upon arriving in the U.S.?
Iliana faced an abusive husband, the responsibility of raising a young child alone, no immediate family support, and the need to bike to work due to financial constraints.
How did Iliana respond to criticism of her TikTok videos?
Iliana dismissed the criticism, stating she felt no shame in making TikTok videos, as she had faced far more challenging and embarrassing situations in her life.
What significant losses did Iliana experience?
Iliana endured the deaths of her grandmother, grandfather, mother, and brother, and could not attend any of their funerals.