Cuba, Russia, and the American Dream
 

By: Maia Ottaggio | 09/19/24

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In a world filled with stories of bravery and perseverance, Stephany Roig's journey stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience. From the hardships in Cuba to her challenging path to Russia, and her return to Cuba followed by her struggle to reach the United States, her story is not only a testament to struggle and sacrifice but also a shining example of how determination can transform lives.

 

The Decision to Leave

 

Life in Cuba became unsustainable for Stephany. With a crumbling economy and an alarming shortage of basic goods, every day was a battle for survival. "There was less to buy, I couldn’t shop in stores, the lines were immense, and if you managed to get in, you could only buy what was available, everything was limited," she recalls. In an environment where even the most basic needs were a constant struggle, Stephany decided that the future had to be different.

 

She worked from home as a manicurist, one of the few ways to earn an income amid the crisis. Although she had clients, the reality was that people preferred to spend on luxuries like manicures instead of food. This paradox highlighted the desperate situation in Cuba, where access to essentials became increasingly restricted.

 

Arrival in Russia

 

In October 2022, Stephany embarked on a journey to Russia, a completely new country for her. Her arrival in Moscow was shocking: "When I entered a store in Russia and saw that there was everything, I couldn’t believe it. There were things I had never seen in Cuba," she describes. Despite the cultural and economic shock, adapting was a constant challenge. She started working as a cleaning employee and faced the harsh Russian winter with steely determination.

 

As she settled in, Stephany found a new opportunity selling nail products at a Moscow market. This job allowed her to connect with people from different cultures and rediscover her passion for her craft. "There, I felt alive again. I was doing what I loved, communicating with people from different cultures, and having fun while learning," she shares with a smile.

 

The War and Obstacles

 

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine presented new obstacles. The closure of Russian airspace affected the flow of customers at the market where she worked. Nevertheless, Stephany remained positive and turned to cleaning jobs and later worked as a dishwasher in a bar. Despite the difficult conditions and long hours, she never let adversity defeat her. Her positive attitude and tireless effort allowed her to make the most of every opportunity.

 

Despite the challenges, Stephany also faced dangerous situations, including an attempted sexual assault by one of her bosses. With bravery, she protected herself and found support from a friend in that critical moment. This painful experience did not stop her; instead, it strengthened her.

 

Return to Cuba

 

As the situation in Russia became increasingly uncertain, Stephany decided to return to Cuba in an attempt to find stability. However, upon arriving in Cuba, the reality had not changed; conditions remained extremely difficult. The hope of finding a lasting solution in her homeland quickly faded.

 

Determined to find a better life, Stephany embarked on a new journey, this time to the United States. The journey began with the search for a ticket to Nicaragua, a challenge in itself due to speculation and high costs. Her grandmother sold her house to finance this crucial trip.

 

In Nicaragua, Stephany was assisted by a "coyote," an intermediary who facilitated her transit. The journey included an exhausting and dangerous trek, where she hid her money to avoid theft. The crossing through dangerous routes, including a river that divides Nicaragua from Honduras on horseback, was terrifying and exhausting.

 

In Honduras and Guatemala, she faced difficult terrain and the constant risk of being detected by authorities. The presence of gangs and insecurity in Guatemala added another level of challenge. Despite it all, Stephany found moments of relief in the beauty of the country and the kindness of some people.

 

The journey to Mexico was equally arduous. Through long hours on buses and facing constant challenges at the border, Stephany and other migrants dealt with tension and fear. Finally, they crossed into the United States, a feat that involved traversing the Arizona desert and facing a complicated immigration system.

 

Arrival in the United States

 

The experience at the U.S. border was harsh. Stephany found herself in a "hielera," a cold and dirty cell, where she spent seven days in extreme conditions. The situation was chaotic and heartbreaking, but eventually, Stephany arrived in Miami.

 

Her release was a relief, but the experience had left a deep mark. She recovered her cell phone and was able to contact her family, finding in them the support she needed to move forward. Her arrival in Miami was the end of a journey filled with suffering and resilience, but also of hope and strength.

 

A Future of Hope

 

Stephany Roig’s journey from Cuba to Russia, her return to Cuba, and her struggle to reach the United States reflects unwavering bravery and unquenchable hope. Her story is a testament to strength, a demonstration that even in the most difficult circumstances, it is possible to build a path toward a better future.

 

Stephany not only survived extreme challenges but also emerged as an example of how determination and courage can illuminate the way to new opportunities. Her story inspires all those facing adversities and shows that with resilience, it is always possible to find a path toward a future full of hope and opportunities.