As part of the introduction to the hosts of the “Do Your Thing” podcast, I interviewed my mom, Rose Marfo! Hope you enjoy learning more about her and me, and thanks Mom for enduring my questions- some silly 🙂
What do you do for fun?
Right now, what I do for fun is arts and crafts – I like to make jewelry for myself and other people. I also like walking, and enjoy shopping at the local market and interacting with “hawkers.” I also LOVE to travel.
What makes you laugh?
My family and their jokes! You and Nana make me laugh, but your dad makes me laugh the most. We always tease each other and come up with these really funny things. I love it.
How did you come up with my name?
Amma means a girl born on a Saturday in the Asante culture. Your middle name, Obeaa, is your grandmother’s name. And of course, Marfo is the family name.
If I were a boy, what would my name be?
Kwame, which is a boy born on a Saturday.
What was I like as a child?
You were very, VERY outgoing. You would go up to anyone and everyone and just chat away. I was afraid you might get stolen or something. You were very curious, very smart, and you had NO problem voicing your opinion. I remember when you would collect signatures to try to fight for a cause and write letters to members of the legislature voicing your concerns about issues in school and whatnot.
What do you do for a living?
Right now, I’m not doing anything for a living. I’m a retired nurse. I’m making no money.
When people ask what I do for a living, what do you tell them?
I tell them you’re in the field of college student affairs, and specifically, you work in student activities.
*EDITOR’S NOTE: I am impressed. I didn’t think she’d get this part right. However, I’m not sure what the rest of this answer would sound like if she were pressed further. Good job, Rosie!
What did you think my career was going to be when I was a kid?
The way you would argue about everything, I was sure you going to be a lawyer.
How did your kids factor into your career?
I was a nurse before you guys were born, so you guys didn’t really factor into my career. I just kept going after I had you.
What is the best thing about being my mom?
Hm. The best thing has definitely been watching you and your sister grow and flourish. You guys were born very premature, so it has been so wonderful to watch you evolve, become independent, make good decisions, and just flourish. You both excelled in school from elementary school to the IB program to University. You have done things that make a parent feel so… *sigh*… just thinking about all of these things makes me very emotional. You have both done so well. You’ve gotten all these awards since you were little, and you’ve both made such great decisions. You’re both so self-driven, you don’t even need any pressure from us. You set your mind to something, and you just do it. You two really have made me so proud. You continue to make me proud.
Who is your favorite kid?
This is a silly question. I love the both of you the same amount.
8EDITOR’S NOTE: My sister helped her transcribe these answers, since distance [she and my father now live in Kenya] makes it difficult to do things over phone or Skype reliably. I strongly believe this influenced her response 😉
Thanks again for the time Mom, and happy Mother’s Day! You are the greatest ❤
BONUS: For a little more about the laughing that the Marfos do, watch this:
Amma Marfo 