Junaid Anwar

Junaid Anwar recounts times living on West 15th Street in Coney Island, where he moved as a 14-year-old along with his mother and brother to join their father in America. Although a Pakistani immigrant, he quickly adapts to the American way of life and having an amusement park in his backyard.  Days at the beach, riding the Cyclone, and Friday night fireworks are among his memories of growing up in Coney Island. His father, who was a professor of economics in Pakistan, worked as a cab driver in New York City to support his family. "We came here for you guys," he always told his sons. "We want you to get the best education possible." A graduate of Coney Island's Lincoln High School, Anwar is currently 25 years old and is about to begin his second year of medical school. 

This program is part of the Cultural Immigrant Initiative supported, in part, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and New York City Councilman Mark Treyger.