A Cuban woman who has been residing in the United States for four years took to TikTok to share her insights on four essential actions that can significantly impact newcomers eager to thrive in the country. Her advice ranges from learning to drive to setting boundaries with family back in Cuba, highlighting mistakes she admits to making herself.
Yaniris González, known as @yanirisgonzalez4 on TikTok, outlined four critical steps she believes are vital for making progress in the U.S. "I started doing them a bit late, and believe me, it's harder now," she admitted at the beginning of her video.
The Importance of Driving
The first piece of advice from Yaniris is to learn to drive as soon as possible. She shared that she spent her initial three years in the U.S. avoiding driving due to fear and insecurity, a choice that ultimately took a toll on her finances and job opportunities.
"I spent a lot of money on Uber," she admitted, explaining that she also missed out on work opportunities because she lacked transportation.
In the U.S., having a driver's license can significantly ease daily life, particularly in areas with limited public transport options. Furthermore, in many states, it can serve as a valid form of identification, making it an invaluable asset.
The Discipline of Saving
Yaniris's second recommendation involves money management: saving regularly, no matter how small the amount. "It's not about the amount, but the consistency," she emphasized, noting that unexpected expenses, like car maintenance, can become burdensome without some savings.
She stressed the importance of developing a savings habit, whether it's ten, twenty, or a hundred dollars, to prepare for unforeseen emergencies.
Setting Boundaries with Family
Her third piece of advice touches on a delicate topic for many Cubans living abroad: learning to say no to family when financial support isn't feasible.
Yaniris pointed out that emigrating doesn't equate to having unlimited resources. While there's often a strong desire to assist loved ones in Cuba, it's crucial to maintain one's own financial stability. "If you have thirty dollars in your account and they need twenty-five, you just can't," she cautioned.
She suggested using phrases like "I can't right now" or "wait two weeks" to avoid jeopardizing personal financial obligations. However, she made an exception for genuine health emergencies.
The Value of Learning English
Lastly, Yaniris stressed the significance of learning English to enhance job prospects, clarifying that fluency isn't necessary to start communicating effectively.
"I'm not talking about perfect English... just tailor your English to your job," she advised.
According to Yaniris, acquiring basic language skills can open numerous opportunities. "It will open doors you can't even imagine," she affirmed.
For those looking to begin studying the language, the U.S. government offers information on resources and programs for learning English.
Yaniris's advice aligns with other Cubans who use social media to share their immigrant experiences. Recently, another Cuban, known as Miss Delgado, encouraged her compatriots to adapt to life in the U.S. and invest wisely instead of continuously spending on new gadgets or cars.
"These little things will greatly help you advance in life," Yaniris concluded, confident that these four habits can pave the way for a brighter future in the United States.
Essential Tips for Newcomers to the United States
Why is learning to drive important in the U.S.?
Having a driver's license can greatly simplify daily life, especially in areas where public transport is limited, and it can also serve as a form of identification.
How can saving money benefit newcomers?
Regular saving, even in small amounts, helps prepare for unexpected expenses like car maintenance and builds financial stability.
What advice is given about supporting family in Cuba?
It's important to set financial boundaries and prioritize personal stability, though exceptions can be made for true emergencies.