From Hong Kong to New York: My Journey of Reinvention

“… In New York (ayy, oh) (uh, yeah), concrete jungle where dreams are made of…” Yes, that's the anthem of New York for my generation, no matter how cliche it is.

Born and raised in another concrete jungle named Hong Kong, I graduated from my law degree in 2017 and spent seven years monitoring and protecting labor rights as a civil servant at the Labour Department there. While I am proud of what I achieved and the skills I honed through the years, I always assumed my life and my career would just proceed steadily without surprises.

Well, if there is one thing one does not lack in life, it is indeed surprises. Last year, unexpected family circumstances required me to quit my job and relocate to the Big Apple. “It should not be too difficult,” I thought. “Hong Kong and New York are similar,” I thought. 

But they are not. When I gazed at Manhattan's endless urban landscape from the Empire State Building's viewing deck, I stood awestruck. I realized that I have moved from a concrete jungle to a concrete rainforest. I found myself slowly sinking into a mental breakdown. I asked myself, “Can I really make it here? How do I translate who I am professionally in this completely new environment?”

Empire State Building Observatory

After some soul-searching (and maybe a few existential meltdowns fueled by dollar-slice pizza at 2 AM!), I decided to take the New York Bar Exam with the hopes of getting certified as an attorney. I figured I might as well leverage my previous legal training and compliance experience to venture into this whole new world—because nothing says "Welcome to America" like voluntarily subjecting yourself to one of the most notorious exams in the country!

Finding My Broadway in a New World

Learning a new country's legal system isn't just about adding credentials—it's about understanding the heartbeat of a place. The NY bar exam became my window into American professional culture, while letting me build on everything I'd already accomplished.

I won't lie—there were definitely moments of doubt! But my background had given me something powerful: the belief that I could figure things out, even when they seemed impossible at first. That quiet confidence kept me going on the toughest days.

The Climb: How I Made It Happen

For anyone facing a similar mountain to climb, here's what worked for me: I took a hard look at what I needed to learn and how much time and budget I realistically had. After some planning (and calendar-blocking!), I committed to five months of focused study—an investment in myself that felt both terrifying and necessary starting from September 2024 when I have settled in.

I found Barbri's program for international lawyers, which became my roadmap through this unfamiliar territory. If you're planning a major transition, take time to find resources that match how you learn best—it makes all the difference when you're burning the midnight oil!

My approach was simple but effective: master the basics before trying to tackle the complicated. This strategy has never failed me, whether learning law or teaching myself to cook New York-style pizza (still a work in progress, I admit!).

The Breakthrough Mindset Shift

While knowledge was important, what really transformed during this journey were my personal skills. I learned to manage time like never before, solve problems creatively, and recognize patterns that helped me understand complex materials more efficiently.

Here's something I wish someone had told me earlier: those practice tests where I bombed? They weren't failures—they were the GPS recalculating my route to success. When I started seeing setbacks this way, everything changed. Instead of feeling defeated, I felt empowered.

We all face moments of doubt in big transitions, but reframing these challenges as opportunities to grow stronger has made all the difference.

Taking Care of the Whole You

I was indeed occasionally overwhelmed during my most intense periods of study, but one crucial idea got me through: Move, Eat, and Sleep! As a certified fitness coach and nutritionist (See my fitness subpage for more info), I made sure that I am moving my body, eating energizing food, and having enough sleep, EVERY DAY.

Sports and nutrition science taught me something crucial: your brain works best when your whole self is cared for. During my most intense study periods, I made sure to move my body, eat foods that energized me, and get enough sleep (most nights, anyway!).

When things got tough, I'd remind myself why I started this journey. This wasn't just about surviving in a new city—it was about creating a life where I could thrive and become the person I've always wanted to be. There's something powerful about pursuing your dreams in a place where everything is new—it's terrifying and magnificent all at once.

Pursuing my dreams in a place where everything is new can be terrifying, but thanks to that  I now feel empowered and wonderful.

A Small Step Forward

Between February and April, I tackled the NY Bar, MPRE, and New York Law Exam one by one. When that email arrived in late April saying I'd passed everything on my first try, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude. This milestone, while meaningful, is just one step in a much longer journey.

This experience taught me that what seems like starting over can actually be the next exciting chapter in your story. For professionals contemplating similar career transitions, remember that your existing expertise forms a powerful foundation rather than a limitation. Approach change strategically, prioritize holistic wellbeing during transitions, and recognize that meaningful career advancement often requires calculated steps beyond familiar territory into new realms of possibility.

There are still so many mountains to climb in this new chapter of my professional life. I shall remain composed, hoping for the best while committing to consistent effort and breakthroughs in my future career. If you're navigating your own professional reinvention, I'd love to connect and support your journey! Reach out with questions or just to share your story—sometimes knowing someone else has walked a similar path makes all the difference. Remember, the skills that brought you this far are exactly what will help you succeed in whatever comes next.

What's next? I'm exploring how my unique cross-cultural legal perspective can serve international clients navigating both Eastern and Western business environments. The journey continues, and I'm excited to share more milestones along the way.

Have you undergone a similar professional transition? What challenges did you face, and what strategies helped you succeed? What professional territory are you ready to explore beyond your comfort zone? Your reinvention story starts with a single brave step. Let's connect! Reach out with questions or just to share your story—sometimes knowing someone else has walked a similar path makes all the difference.

"If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere." I believe it’s true. And that’s why I am determined to make it here.

Jessie Wu