A Liberian Journey to the American Dream: Benji J.S.’s Story of Heart, Hustle, and Hope
Determination, motherhood as a motivator, realism and vision, emotional honesty… this is Benji J.S., a remarkable woman in our MobileRecharge community who found strength in her pursuit of the American Dream.
At 40, this brave soul from Liberia has already lived what some might call a full life, and is just getting started.
Like many who leave their homeland, she made the bold decision to move to the United States in search of a better life and more opportunities. But behind this leap was a deeper drive: education, growth, and a future for her child.
“I left my family, friends, and everything I knew and loved behind with the hope of giving myself a better life.”
Photo credits: Jacob Kpehe on Unsplash.com
Her journey has been just that… a journey. From West Africa’s warm hospitality, joyful cultural practices, and the support of tight-knit families to the cooler, fast-paced rhythm of American life. She misses Liberia’s rich traditions, food, and that unbeatable weather: beaches, hills, and green fields. But she’s also found new things to appreciate in the U.S.: grocery variety, time efficiency, and advanced medical care.
“Being here has taught me that you don’t always get what you want in life, but you have to keep going.”
Now raising a vibrant five-year-old son in a space she proudly calls home, she’s hustling with purpose. She knows the key to success in a new country lies in adaptability, education, and understanding the market. And that mindset? It’s her secret weapon.
“Look around, what is working, selling, moving? What do people want? How can I fit into the job market? That’s my drive.”
The mindset
“I made it to the US in search of better life and opportunities to improve my education. Being here has thought me that you don’t always get what you want in this life but you have to keep going. I wake up each day with a positive vibe knowing that there is still a chance to go for it, keep pushing. You know the ‘you’ve got this’ mindset! ”
What do you love most about your life now?
“So many opportunities to improve your skills and competencies, prices of grocery, time appreciation, advanced medical facilities.”
Photo credits: ben o’bro on Unsplash.com
I have an amazing 5 year old little boy and a space we call HOME, well, you can refer to it as an apartment but it is more than that for us.
Grounded, resilient and emotionally honest
Self-awareness is vital when wearing the expat identity. In the USA, Benji J.S. had her moment of transformation thanks to that inevitable exercise.
“Well, if you are from Africa, you would have a vision or should I say preconceived notions about how your life will change. That is a whole new story when you get here. Right now, I am working and trying to make myself as marketable as can be. One thing I have realized is that unless you re-educate yourself, you can not climb the job ladder in this country.”
When it comes to chasing the so-called American Dream, she quickly realized it’s not all shiny lights and instant wins. Like many from Africa, she came with big hopes and a clear vision of how life would change: better jobs, more comfort, the whole success story. But once she landed, reality hit differently. It wasn’t what she pictured, and nothing came easy. Still, instead of giving up, she flipped the script. That’s when her “you’ve got this” mindset kicked in. She started hustling harder, learning the ropes, and figuring out where she fit in.
That gap between dream and reality didn’t break her, it built her.
My American dream continues…
The right people, the right tools, the right community
And while the American Dream continues to evolve for her, staying connected to loved ones back home remains essential. That’s where MobileRecharge.com comes in to keep the ties to family strong, no matter the distance.
“Connect with family”—a simple but powerful reason to recharge.
Her story isn’t over. In fact, she promises there’s more to share. But for now, we’re just honored to feature this incredible chapter, and to remind anyone out there chasing their dream, whether the American dream or else: you’ve got this.
Want to try the same service Benji’s using?
Here’s a little help from us: an expat coupon to top up mobiles in Liberia or other countries with MobileRecharge.com.
