Starting a new life in a new country is always a challenge. A different environment, a different language, new rules, and new people. As for me, life has taken me through 19 cities, five countries, and three U.S. states — and every time, I’ve become a new version of myself.
When I moved to Miami, I immediately began organizing Ukrainian cultural events and community gatherings. At one of those events, I met Liuba — a brilliant Ukrainian lawyer who, like me, shared a passion for video production and creative communication.
She told me about the School of American Law — a program offered by Chicago-Kent College of Law (Illinois Institute of Technology) in cooperation with the Center for American Law in Ukraine. I hesitated. My English wasn’t strong enough, I thought. The legal system was so different. Could I really do this?
But legal practice is a lifetime of learning. Every political change, every new client, every global shift — it all demands constant growth. So, I took a leap of faith and joined the program.
We began exploring the American legal system — and it truly felt like driving on the other side of the road. A precedent-based system, endless documents in legal English, and a huge amount of independent study. I still remember my first homework assignment — surrounded by AI tools and translators just to understand the basic meaning. Slowly, though, the fog began to lift. My eyes began to open.
I remember every professor. The learning was intense, challenging, and truly transformative. We started building connections with fellow students — and many of them, I know, will remain lifelong friends.
This program inspired me to change my life once again — to pack up and move to Chicago to pursue further legal education.
My Chicago: A New Chapter Begins
After the intense Miami heat, I arrived in the heart of Chicago — a city full of beautiful parks, rich architecture, and a cozy apartment just 6 minutes from campus. I was nervous. But I wasn’t alone — Volodya, a steady and supportive friend, walked with me through those first emotional days. Then he returned to Miami, and I stayed — but this time, with more confidence.
There were over 200 international students, and our Ukrainian group had more than 40 participants. I instantly felt the power of academia again — diverse languages, cultures, brilliant minds, experienced legal professionals, and a strong intellectual atmosphere.
I absolutely love learning. Every lecture excites me. And all my fears about my language skills disappeared as soon as I began talking to classmates. I’m especially grateful for our Legal English course — the professor spoke clearly and thoughtfully, and slowly I settled into a rhythm.
Of course, it’s not easy. We have to read 100 pages of legal texts in English every day, and the material is demanding. We’ve already taken our first exams, and I’m still learning how to effectively work with precedent law. But I’ve once again found myself in my element — surrounded by books, ideas, and the law. I now truly understand that America is a country of lawyers, and I’m grateful to be learning here.
A Message to Those Who Hesitate
Education isn’t only about knowledge. It’s about bravery — the courage to start over, the will to grow beyond your comfort zone. It energizes, inspires, and brings you back to life.
So, if you’re hesitating — if you think it’s “too late”, or “too difficult”, or “not for me” — just start. One step at a time. And soon, you’ll be thanking yourself for saying yes.
