Cuban Finds Success in Uruguay: "A Teenage Dream Finally Achieved"

Frank El Makina, a Cuban YouTuber, recently took to TikTok to share his excitement about achieving a long-held dream: buying a pair of Vans sneakers. In a video filmed in Montevideo, he described it as fulfilling a "teenage dream" that seemed unattainable while living in Cuba. "I did it here in Uruguay," @frankelmakina stated, expressing gratitude for realizing his goal through hard work and the opportunities available in the South American nation. "Thanks to working every day and the fact that in Uruguay dreams can come true, no matter how trivial they might seem," he noted.

Reflecting on his teenage years, Frank recounted his desire for Vans when he was 15, but the $100 price tag made them impossible to obtain. "Imagine asking my dad for $100 shoes. I had to wear what I could get," he said. "This is a dream come true because I've always wanted them."

Frank credited Uruguay's economic freedom and market promotions for his achievement. "Thanks to capitalism and the freedom here, with many companies offering deals... well, I got them on sale, saving a few dollars," he detailed.

He also mentioned his connection to a youth subculture during his teen years. "I longed for Vans back then because I was part of the 'freaky' urban tribe—they wore Vans, Converse, you know, that style, and I'm still the same guy." He concluded with, "I'm really happy about it."

The post received numerous supportive messages from both Cubans and Uruguayans, celebrating his symbolic act of personal achievement. "Excellent. Being able to fulfill your dreams. Working in Uruguay makes it possible," wrote one user. Others commented, "It's not ridiculous at all, it's a nod to that Cuban teenager, beautiful!", "Congratulations on achieving your dream of nice sneakers, greetings from Montevideo," and "It's a pleasure to see this, a dream fulfilled in Uruguay."

Many users also welcomed the YouTuber warmly. "Enjoy them in good health. Welcome to Uruguay, Cuban brothers," "Thanks, enjoy your walk," or "Congratulations, enjoy them. It's very moving to fulfill dreams, no matter how small."

Despite a few critical remarks, most celebrated Frank's success with phrases like "Congratulations my brother, success," "You deserve it," "Indulge yourself," and "That's why we work: to fulfill our dreams."

Stories such as Frank El Makina's are echoed by other Cuban migrants who have managed to achieve long-deferred dreams after resettling outside the island. In the United States, Dr. Alexander Pupo Casas marked the purchase of his first Ford Mustang, saying, "A dream I've always had, which as a doctor in a slave country I could never achieve." In Mexico, a Cuban woman celebrated buying her first apartment, stating, "We're achieving a step that only those focused on their goals can achieve."

In the United States, Leidy Aragón rejoiced over buying two homes after starting by cleaning houses for $20. "Three years. Two houses. A dream come true," she wrote. Another Cuban, living in the U.S., fulfilled her dream of dining by the Seine River in Paris, expressing, "My lifelong dream was to come to Paris, and here I am," in an emotional video.