This past Friday, Cuban actor and model Pedro Moreno spoke at the Upper School Miller Campus in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month, about his experience escaping the Cuban Communist government.

Moreno’s message was one of gratitude, encouraging students to reflect on the benefits of living in a free, democratic country. He also encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities in order to succeed.

Moreno, born in Cuba, escaped the island on a raft, with only the clothes on his back and the food that was left in his stomach. Moreno quickly had to make a life for himself in the United States, becoming an actor for several telenovelas on Spanish TV channels, like Telemundo.

In his presentation, Moreno described his childhood in Cuba and how he was initially naive as to the problems and lack of freedom in his home country. “Brainwashing,” said Moreno,  “that’s how they kept us in the dark.”

It wasn’t until much later that Moreno figured out that the Communist system was actually destroying the country he loved, instead of bringing it together. 

“[Moreno’s] speech was very inspiring,” said senior Nicholas Blackburn. “Oftentimes I take what I have for granted. I won’t make that mistake again.”