Mavis “May” – From Ghana to the USA: A Story of Family, Faith, and New Beginnings
Mavis, also known as May, is a Ghanaian-American woman currently living in Virginia, USA. She was recently featured on Svtv Africas Daily Hustle Worldwide Show with DJ Nyaami, where she shared her inspiring journey and life lessons.
According to Mavis, “Education is the key, and it doesn’t only happen in classrooms—you can learn anywhere.”
Originally from Kumasi, Ghana, Mavis spent most of her early life in the city. She attended Kumasi Polytechnic and studied Insurance under a commonwealth program. In 2008, she married her longtime friend from Ghana. When he relocated to the United States, he needed someone he could trust and build a life with. He saw that in Mavis, so they got married and he brought her to the U.S. that same year.
Adjusting to life in America wasn’t easy at first. It was cold, tough, and unfamiliar, especially around New York and near the Canadian border. But with time, she settled in. Her husband worked hard to support their family while encouraging Mavis to stay home, raise their children, and eventually continue her education.
Now, they are blessed with six children.
“Raising six kids in America is not easy,” Mavis shared, “but I’m fortunate to have a husband who understands me and supports the family.”
Six months ago, her eldest child turned 16 and began learning how to better socialize and adapt in school.
“We love our kids, and we enjoy being a family,” she said. “Money is important, but family is everything.”
Her husband has also opened several small businesses, including storage facilities. They currently live in a large house that accommodates their growing family.
“Even though he was paying most of the bills, it never bothered him. He believes we’re building this life together. My money is for my husband and our family.”
Mavis also helps others back in Ghana, even though she acknowledges that extended family issues can sometimes cause confusion. She warns people not to think life abroad is only about money.
“America offers more than just money—it’s about education, good healthcare, security, and long-term opportunities.”
Her father lived in the U.S. for many years and brought most of her siblings here. “We didn’t grow up hearing gunshots. If you live in the right neighborhoods, you’re safe.”
Mavis emphasizes the importance of school in America.
“Even if you’re a cleaner, school can open doors. I sent my kids to some good schools, and though it was expensive, it shaped their lives.”
She recalled how one of her sons struggled in Ghana but improved after returning to the U.S.
“Back in Ghana, some teachers don’t get the respect they deserve, but here things are more structured. After his return, my son became more disciplined.”
She took her children to Ghana for two months to teach them about moral values.
“They learned a lot. One headmaster at a school in Kumasi shaped my son’s life by making him cut his hair and act right. That experience changed him.”
Mavis also touched on healthcare:
“Ghanaians often don’t like to take medicine, but abroad, people can live up to 90 or even 100 years because of the quality of care.”
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