Stepping on American soil for the first time, Yoel Diaz says he felt like he was in a movie.
Now, he’s living his happy ending.
“It was a big decision. We made this decision because in Cuba you do not have future,” said Yoel.
Marissa Diaz, a Cuban American, met Yoel when they were both living in Cuba. Unhappy living in the dictatorship, they came to the U.S. for the promise of better futures for them and their future generations.
“I want people to appreciate what they have here in the United States, and not just the United States, but any country that allows them to freely participate in their own rights,” explained Marissa.
The duo started documenting Yoel’s ‘firsts’ in America. His first time at an American grocery story, his first holidays, first time at a steakhouse and first U.S. paycheck. Their social presence was heartfelt and entertaining, and started to go viral.
“The grocery store one was really impactful because I think it gave a perspective to the outside community of what a Cuban goes through,” said Marissa. “Our story is about immigrants, but particularly the Cuban experience is a little bit different in that aspect because this is their first time seeing lots of food at the store.”
Watch one man’s immigration journey to a life he dreamed of, one ‘first’ at a time.
From hearing first-hand how he is changing the perspectives of friends and family back in Cuba to getting recognized on the street by inspired strangers, Yoel and Marissa are building a community of people with similar aspirations.
The pair continues to expand their list of adventures in the United States while reminding the world to appreciate every little thing along the way.
“Look around you when you wake up, look around you. What do you have? That’s important. Defend that, fight for that, because many people don’t have it,” said Yoel.
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