Geraldine McGinty

We received our Morrison Visa in 1990. At the time, my husband and I were in our early 20s, living in the U.S. on J1 visas. We had no idea how life-changing it would be. We had both attended medical school in Galway, I wanted to pursue a career in radiology in Galway, and my husband, John, had always dreamed of a research career. We settled in Pittsburgh, a blue-collar city facing a recession but full of opportunities for ambitious people like us.

“In the late 1980s, post-graduate training in Ireland was fragmented. John and I wanted more for our careers, but we felt the opportunities at home were limited.”

It wasn’t just about economic necessity, it was a career decision. John’s Dad had done his post-graduate training in the US in the 1960s, and we saw the potential to build something bigger there. The move was daunting, but we were determined. It was about ambition and taking a chance on ourselves.

There are many memorable moments, but one stands out. During our first year in Pittsburgh, we bought a house, which sounds crazy now. It needed extensive renovations, and we decided to do the work ourselves. I’ll never forget the heat that first summer. We didn’t have much money, so when we bought a car, we had to choose between a radio and air conditioning. We went with air conditioning and sang to each other instead. It was a small, funny moment, but it symbolized how we tackled challenges with resilience and humor.

Looking back, I was terrified. We were newlyweds, navigating a new culture, and incredibly homesick. The medical culture was another shock. In Ireland, we were trained to stay quiet and humble, but in the U.S., our colleagues were confident, outspoken, and willing to try new things. It was intimidating at first, but we realized that if we didn’t step up, we’d be left behind. The lack of internet and only sporadic phone calls home made us feel isolated. I even had to ask my parents for $400 to pay for an exam, something I’ll never forget. The first Christmas was particularly tough, with missed flights and sleepless nights. But through all of it, we adapted and grew stronger together.

The move changed everything. I wouldn’t have had the career I’ve had if we’d stayed in Ireland. Both John and I have been able to give back in meaningful ways.

We have both served on the University of Galway board. I established a scholarship at the University of Galway’s JD Cairns School of Business to support a female physician to pursue an MBA and we endowed a lectureship at the Medical School in honor of John’s parents. My parents never had the chance to go to secondary school, but they made incredible sacrifices for me to go to college. They didn’t step on the campus until my graduation day. Knowing what they gave up, it feels so fulfilling to pay it forward and create opportunities for others.

The Morrison Visa completely changed our lives. It rewarded ambition and gave us the chance to thrive in ways we couldn’t have imagined. We were able to contribute to the U.S. economy and bring that success back to Ireland through the development of talent and opportunity. As the program approaches its 30th anniversary, I think about the countless lives it has transformed. It’s a reminder of the power of immigration to drive growth, foster connections, and inspire ambition.