Martina Regan

In 1994, I received what felt like my golden ticket, my Morrison Visa. Just three days after graduating from college in Athlone, I boarded a flight to JFK on June 8th, heart pounding and dreams racing. It was exhilarating, and terrifying.

“I said goodbye to my family with tears in my eyes and a suitcase full of hope, wondering, “What on earth am I doing?!”

Life back home had been sweet. College days in Athlone were filled with fun, friendship, and the kind of carefree chaos you only appreciate in hindsight. Before my final year, I’d even spent time living in Hamburg, Germany. Then one day, my mum called to say there was something called the Morrison Visa program. We filled out the application over the phone, more out of curiosity than expectation. Sure, what were the chances? But then I got it. And in that moment, there was no doubt, New York, here I come.

At just 21, I landed at JFK solo and starry-eyed. My uncle had arranged for me to stay with distant American relatives I had never met. There was no WhatsApp or FaceTime, just blind faith. When I walked off the plane, there they were, holding a sign with my name. It felt like stepping into a movie, only with jet lag. Their warmth and generosity floored me.

“They took me in, showed me the ropes, and to this day, 30 years later, they are my family in every way that matters.”

I suppose I should say it was hard. But the truth is, I never really doubted things would work out. Maybe it was youthful naivety, or maybe it was knowing I had the unwavering support of my parents, and always had Ireland to come home to. Either way, I leaned into the experience. With help from my American family, I crafted a U.S.-style résumé, took on some temp work, and eventually landed a full-time role at Thompson Publishing. I stayed there for over four years and loved every minute. That job opened the door to the next adventure, California.

Moving to the U.S. shaped me in more ways than I can count. Compared to Ireland at the time, New York was electric, a melting pot of cultures, languages, religions, and ideas. It was intoxicating. Living in Manhattan meant being surrounded by theatre, creativity, and inspiration every day. Later in California, I worked in executive recruitment with Accenture in San Francisco and in Silicon Valley, absorbing all that American anything-is-possible energy.

The Morrison Visa wasn’t just a document, it was a launchpad. A door flung wide open to those ready to walk through it. It led me to a life I could never have imagined. I eventually became a U.S. citizen, but I never lost sight of the privilege that came with that first step.

“Looking back, I see it all as one giant, beautiful, slightly terrifying, and deeply rewarding adventure. And I will forever be grateful for that chance.”