Leaving Cuba was her lifelong dream. For years, she envisioned it as the goal that would transform her life. And she made it happen. Today, she resides in Ferrol, a welcoming city in Galicia, where she finds opportunities, stability, and the companionship of her husband. However, Karlita—known as @yo_soykarlita on TikTok—has touched the hearts of thousands with a reflection that few dare to voice. "I always wanted to leave Cuba; it was my goal, my greatest wish. But I never imagined that achieving it would leave me feeling so empty," she reveals in a video resonating with many Cuban emigrants.
From the solitude of a shopping mall, this young Cuban opened up to the camera: "I'm sitting here and wanted to share a brief reflection because now I have time for myself. Today, I had a date with myself and took time to think about some things," Karlita begins in her video. Although she now lives in a country that has offered her new opportunities, she confesses to experiencing a surprising mix of emotions after fulfilling her greatest aspiration: emigrating from Cuba.
"Realizing that true wealth was having my family close has been a hard hit for me," she admits, her voice trembling with emotion. While Karlita expresses gratitude towards Spain and declares her love for Ferrol, she admits that her happiness feels incomplete. "It's complicated. I have moments of happiness, but they are not whole. I feel lonely. I miss my family. We were very humble, but very happy," she reflects.
The video has sparked a wave of reactions among Cuban emigrants who see themselves in her words. Many share the feeling of morriña—a term in Galicia describing nostalgia for one's homeland—a constant sense of absence accompanying those who have left everything behind. "I achieved my dream, yes... but no one told me it would hurt this much," one user wrote. Another added, "We are here, but we never stop being there."
Karlita's post not only sheds light on the less visible side of emigration but also delivers a profound message to those fortunate enough to have their loved ones nearby: "If you have your family with you, cherish them. Life slips away in a heartbeat."
Understanding the Emotional Impact of Emigration
What are the emotional challenges faced by Cuban emigrants like Karlita?
Cuban emigrants often face feelings of emptiness and loneliness, despite achieving their dreams of leaving Cuba. The absence of family and familiar surroundings can lead to complex emotions and nostalgia for their homeland.
How does Karlita's experience reflect the broader emigrant sentiment?
Karlita's experience highlights a common sentiment among emigrants: that the joy of new opportunities is often overshadowed by the longing for home and family. Her story resonates with many who have left their countries in search of a better life but struggle with emotional voids.