This past Wednesday, Cuban content creator Dean Pablo Hernández Torres celebrated his graduation as a Medium Level Technician in Connectivity and Networks from the Bicentennial Polyvalent High School A No. 71 Guillermo Feliú Cruz in Santiago, Chile.
The well-known Cuban influencer shared this milestone with his followers through a reel and a heartfelt Instagram post, which garnered thousands of reactions and congratulatory messages.
"I achieved this far from where I imagined it would be. I didn't graduate in Cuba; instead, I found myself graduating in Chile, which is now the place I call home," Dean expressed in the video. With this statement, he encapsulated the significant change his life underwent when he left the island in 2024 at the age of 17, while still in high school.
The diploma was awarded by the Chilean Ministry of Education, marking the official end of his studies after completing the necessary practical component.
The Graduation Day Challenges
The ceremony was memorable not only for the achievement but also for a couple of humorous mishaps that Dean recounted. On the day of the ceremony, he was battling an illness, enduring a fever and body aches. Additionally, he almost missed the start of the diploma presentation because his father was delayed at work, but they managed to arrive just in time.
For Dean, his father's presence was the most significant aspect of the day. "There are gifts money can't buy, and this is one of them," he declared. The three-piece navy suit he wore was also a special gift from his father for the occasion.
In a photo post shared the day before, Dean expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, Chile, for giving me so many opportunities and, above all, granting me freedom, which I will always consider the most valuable thing we humans can possess."
Adolescent Migration to Chile: A Tough Choice
In February 2024, Dean publicly explained his reasons for leaving Cuba. "Who wants to live outside their country? Nobody. You are forced to if you want to be someone, if you aspire to be a person."
He added that in Cuba, "there is no hope, no motivation, nothing remains; everything is stagnant." On the day he left, authorities visited his home, urging him to join the Mandatory Military Service.
Settling in Chile, Dean lived with his father and began working in refrigeration—a skill he had acquired in Cuba—while he continued his studies and grew his social media audience.
Embarking on New Beginnings
To conclude his graduation reel, the young Cuban quoted a philosophy professor: "Life is not a goal or a race. It's not about who arrives first or last. It's about those who arrive and understand that the best moment is now."
Dean reflected further, stating, "I realized that at this moment I didn't end a chapter; instead, I embarked on a new journey towards realizing all those dreams that remain unfulfilled."
Questions About Dean's Journey and Graduation
Why did Dean leave Cuba?
Dean left Cuba seeking opportunities and freedom, as he felt there was no hope or motivation left on the island. He wanted to build a life where he could be somebody.
What challenges did Dean face on his graduation day?
On his graduation day, Dean was sick with a fever and almost missed the ceremony because his father was delayed at work. However, they made it to the event just in time.
How did Dean's father contribute to his graduation day?
Dean's father was a significant presence at the graduation, and he gifted Dean a three-piece navy suit for the occasion. His father's presence was a priceless gift for Dean.