In August 2022, Associate Professor of Political Science Ana Alves Shippey received US citizenship after 10 and a half years of studying and teaching in the US.

Sippy moved to the United States in 2007 to begin graduate work at the University of Virginia. Near the end of her studies, Sippy began looking for work in the United States and received approval for a one-year optional internship visa, and Shippy obtained a long-term visa extension of the student visa granted to students working in her field of study. and started working at Lee University.

By December 2015, Shippy had received his green card and five years later applied for citizenship. After a two-year approval process, Shippey became a dual citizen of Brazil and the United States.

“At the ceremony, you’ll be asked to dress up, just show up with your paperwork, because it’s a solemn moment…then, when you’re ready, everyone will repeat the pledge of allegiance to the United States, and you’re now You will receive a small certificate of citizenship,” Shippy said of the finale of the citizenship process.

Sippy’s road to citizenship was faster than anyone else’s, but she spent hours preparing for exams, interviews, and ceremonies.

“You study for the civics exam where you answer questions. Basic questions about the US government in history and a bit of geography. Nothing too difficult. But I studied a lot. Imagine. Please, a US government professor failed a civil rights test.

Her students and husband helped her study and prepare for exams, as well as intimidating interviews.

“I was a nervous wreck,” Sippy said. “[It was] Something that really defines life. . . and the fact that they were so kind and thoughtful was encouraging. . In that sense, it was a valuable experience. ”

Shippey can now participate in the political system that I teach in the US government class.

“Of course, as Christians, we care about the prosperity of our communities. But now as citizens, we can vote. , it really, I think, [strengthens] It’s not just the commitment, but the responsibility that I have,” Sippy said.

She anchors her philosophy in the scriptures. . . [1 Peter 3:15] “We should be able to articulate the reasons for our beliefs and explain them with all kinds of respect. The question is, why do you believe what you believe?”

Shippey demonstrates its commitment to teaching and mentoring through its association with Pi Sigma Alpha, Lee University’s Honorary Society of Political Science. The chapter has an outstanding history of winning seven premier chapter awards in nine years, including the most recent award for the 2021-2022 academic year.

In addition to the club’s success, Shippey was named Pi Sigma Alpha’s best chapter advisor.