Growing up in Cuba during the 1990s was not easy. The country was facing one of its worst economic crises, known as the “Special Period,” due to the collapse of the Soviet Union. The shortage of basic necessities and the lack of resources made life difficult for many Cubans. However, amidst all the struggles and hardships, there was a sense of freedom that was unique to the people of Cuba. This is the story of Liz Oliva Fernández, who despite growing up during these tough times, experienced a childhood full of joy and freedom, a side of Cuba that is rarely portrayed in the media.

Liz Oliva Fernández was born in Havana, Cuba in 1990. She was the youngest of three siblings and grew up in a modest home with her parents. Her father was a carpenter, and her mother was a nurse. Like many families in Cuba, they had to make do with what they had, and sometimes it was not much. However, Liz remembers her childhood as a happy and carefree time.

One of the main reasons for this was the strong sense of community in Cuba. Liz’s neighborhood was like a big family, where everyone knew each other and looked out for one another. She recalls playing with her friends in the streets, riding bikes, and having picnics in the park. There was always a sense of safety and belonging in her community, and this allowed her to have the freedom to explore and be a child.

Another aspect that contributed to Liz’s carefree childhood was the lack of materialism. In Cuba, there was no pressure to have the latest gadgets or designer clothes. Children were not bombarded with advertisements and consumerism. Instead, they learned to appreciate the simple things in life and find joy in the little moments. Liz remembers playing with homemade toys, such as dolls made out of old clothes or cars made out of soda cans. These may seem like insignificant things, but for Liz and many other Cuban children, they were a source of endless fun and creativity.

Despite the economic difficulties, Liz’s parents always made sure she had a good education. In Cuba, education is highly valued, and it is free for all citizens. Liz attended a public school, where she received a quality education and had access to books and resources. She also had the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports and music, which helped her develop new skills and interests. Liz’s parents instilled in her the importance of education and encouraged her to pursue her dreams.

One of the most significant freedoms that Liz experienced in her childhood was the freedom to be herself. In Cuba, there is a strong sense of individuality and self-expression. Children are encouraged to be creative and think outside the box. Liz remembers participating in school plays and dance performances, where she could express herself freely without any judgment. She also had the freedom to choose her own path and pursue her interests, without any societal pressures or expectations.

Contrary to popular belief, Cuba is not a closed-off country where people have no access to the outside world. Liz’s parents were avid readers, and they encouraged her to read books from different countries and cultures. She also had access to television and movies, which allowed her to learn about different cultures and perspectives. This exposure to the outside world broadened her horizons and helped her develop a global mindset.

Liz’s childhood was not without its challenges. The economic crisis in Cuba meant that she had to make do with limited resources. She recalls standing in long lines for basic necessities and sometimes going without certain things. However, these challenges only made her more resilient and appreciative of what she had. She learned to be resourceful and make the most out of what was available.

Today, Liz is a successful businesswoman, living in the United States. She looks back at her childhood in Cuba with fondness and gratitude. She believes that growing up in Cuba during the Special Period taught her valuable lessons that have shaped her into the person she is today. She learned the importance of community, the value of education, and the freedom to be herself. These are lessons that she carries with her and hopes to pass on to future generations.

In conclusion, Liz Oliva Fernández’s childhood in Cuba may have been during one of the worst economic crises in the country’s history, but it was also a time of freedom and joy. She experienced a sense of community, simplicity, and individuality that is