With a blend of emotion, courage, and hope, the story of a Cuban woman living in Brazil has resonated with thousands. A video that has gone viral on TikTok features Alicia Laporte (@alicia.laporte6), who shares her journey of building her home from the ground up, brick by brick, while reflecting on her migration experience and the true essence of starting anew.
“I am a Cuban living in Brazil, constructing my house from scratch, brick by brick with my own hands, with the sweat of my days and the hope of my nights. I came to this country to grow, to transform my life, not to stand on the corner complaining,” she declares at the beginning of the video.
Embracing Action Over Complaint
Instead of lamenting, Alicia encourages action: “I learned that complaining is easy, but getting up every day and fighting is what truly changes destinies. It’s not about waiting for life to give me something; it’s about being thankful for the chance to plant and harvest in a land that, although not mine, welcomed me with open arms.”
To her, hard work is not just a means to an end, but a mission: “Building from scratch is not just about a house; it’s constructing a dream, a new story, a new life. As I lay one brick on another, I also lay hope upon hope, because here in Brazil, I discovered that complaints don’t build, but perseverance does.”
A Message that Resonates
The impact of her message has been amplified by public reactions. Her videos have garnered hundreds of comments, many from fellow Cubans in other countries who see their own journey reflected in hers. “You have my full attention, congratulations, that’s right, stay strong because we Cubans deserve to make the dream we were robbed of come true,” wrote one follower. Another added, “You’re a true warrior. You reminded me of when I was fixing my house in Cuba to sell it and come to Brazil.”
Alicia not only responds with gratitude but also acknowledges the role of her partner: “That’s the reality; two is better than one, teamwork makes everything easier, and of course, he deserves a lot of credit.”
Building with Purpose
In a more recent post, she shared a new phase of the construction process: “Today, I’m installing the corrugated conduit, that flexible tube through which all the electrical cables of the house will run. I’m placing it before closing the walls, and thanks to its corrugated shape, I can adapt it to every corner without issue. It’s a small detail, but it truly makes a difference in safety and practicality.”
For many, her determination is an inspiration: “I commend you for your effort, that’s true courage,” a user commented. Another summed up the general sentiment: “That’s how we Cuban women are. Blessings.”
Shared Experiences of Resilience
Alicia’s story joins others that have gained traction on social media. In Florida, another Cuban woman showcased how, years after emigrating with her grandmother after winning a visa, she is building her home in Lehigh Acres, symbolizing stability and personal growth.
Similarly, a couple documented the entire construction of their first home in the United States, from an empty lot to the final product, as a testament to shared effort in migration.
Reflections from Brazil also highlight the realities of emigrating without idealizations. A young resident there warned, “Don’t come to Brazil if your desire and ambition aren’t to move forward, because you can here,” in a direct message to those unprepared for starting from the bottom.
In the same country, another Cuban woman moved thousands by sharing the story of reuniting with her mother after years apart, describing it as “the final journey of a 60-year-old woman who decided to grasp the last hopes she had.”
Though the stories differ, the message remains common: the path of an emigrant is filled with sacrifices but also achievements, building not only houses but new beginnings.
Insights into the Journey of Cuban Emigrants
What challenges did Alicia face while building her house in Brazil?
Alicia faced the challenge of constructing her home from scratch, which involved physical labor and adapting to a new life in Brazil. Despite these challenges, her determination and focus on building a new beginning kept her motivated.
How has Alicia's story impacted others?
Alicia’s story has inspired many, especially fellow Cubans who see her as a reflection of their own struggles and dreams. Her determination and positive outlook have encouraged others to pursue their aspirations despite obstacles.
Why is Alicia's message about hard work significant?
Alicia’s message underscores that while complaints do not lead to progress, perseverance and hard work do. Her story highlights the importance of building a life through effort and resilience.