Although Alyssa Schiefer (Political Science ’21) was not specifically certain about which career path to follow, she came to Pensacola Christian College knowing she wanted a Bible-based education. With the guidance of her mentors, Alyssa took one step at a time—she chose electives and classes that interested her, gained real-world experience through multiple internships, and finally, completed a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in criminal justice. All these decisions aided in making her passion clear. “God had laid a burden on my heart to help children in the justice system,” Alyssa shared. “[and] I knew God would show me the way.”
After taking the North Carolina bar exam in summer 2025, Alyssa officially became a Legal Fellow with Regent University’s Center for Global Justice and embarked on an incredible opportunity in Uganda, Africa, to fight human trafficking, injustice, and child sacrifice. “Our hope is to strengthen the relationship between Regent and Kyampisi Childcare Ministries [while protecting] children in Uganda,” she explained.
An Outstanding Education
Despite not knowing what God had for her future career, Alyssa experienced peace about enrolling at PCC. Her college experience provided a place to lay a foundation for so many opportunities. First, it was where she gained an education from the biblical worldview. “Being able to think strategically and analytically over divisive political, historical, and legal viewpoints from a Christian perspective was invaluable,” Alyssa said. “It was the best choice for me. Christian community, strong Biblical principles, hundreds of ways to get involved and serve God, affordable education, and outstanding education. The location was a bonus!”
“Overall, PCC prepares you to be a well-rounded human.”
Alyssa also sought wisdom from her mentors. Teachers and advisors showed Alyssa the benefit of minoring in preferred subjects, taking multiple internships to figure out what she liked, and eventually earning advanced, specialized degrees after graduation. “So that’s what I did,” Alyssa added. “I majored in political science and minored in criminal justice.”
In practical ways, PCC equipped Alyssa with skills such as writing, public speaking, and preparing for trials, appeals, and clients, giving her an edge in law school. “I sit and write for hours a day,” Alyssa said. “Legal writing and research were my strongest assets in my law school career, and I attribute it to the excellent education I received at PCC. Overall, PCC prepares you to be a well-rounded human.”
Real-World Experience
As an undergrad, Alyssa got involved in as much as she could—from holding every officer position in her collegian (at separate times) to leading and teaching in children’s church. “The more leadership roles I experienced, the more I realized I enjoyed it!” Alyssa admitted. “Leadership positions like these were so wonderful to put on a résumé, as well, for internships and future career options.” That same drive motivates Alyssa to continue following God’s plan for her life.
Right after she completed her freshman year, Alyssa found an internship at Court Appointed Special Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children. This is where her passion was solidified. Witnessing an attorney object loudly, in front of a young client, about not being paid enough ignited in Alyssa a fire to change the justice system for minors. “He did not seem to care about the little girl holding my hand, too scared to go into the courtroom,” Alyssa shared. “That is the moment I wanted to be a source of comfort for [these children] at the scariest times.”
Alyssa excelled and plugged into various opportunities that prepared her for the next steps. Toward the end of her junior year at PCC, Alyssa attended Regent’s LSAT workshop with a friend and discovered Regent has a program that focuses on religious freedom and international human rights—and she knew she wanted to be a part of that. In May 2021, Alyssa graduated and joined PCC staff for a time, serving on the security team, while she prepared for the LSAT.
“[This] opportunity made me realize I want to protect children, domestically and internationally, from exploitation.”
Accepted into Regent’s law program August 2022, Alyssa discovered how much more of the world she could influence for Christ. Alyssa qualified to work with the Center for Global Justice her first year pursuing her juris doctorate and worked on projects for the United Nations, a legal memorandum on child soldiers in Ghana, and more. During an internship in Strasbourg, France, Alyssa helped with research on international human rights law to be submitted to the Council of Europe. “[This] opportunity made me realize I want to protect children, domestically and internationally, from exploitation,” she said.
While working a shift on PCC security, Alyssa listened to alumna Judge April Wood (Pre-law ’94) address the Commencement 2022 graduating class, and she decided to seek out an internship opportunity. She connected with Judge Wood and joined her in the N.C. Court of Appeals. “Judge Wood so graciously let me work on the cases that interested me the most—family law and children’s rights,” Alyssa shared. Putting her writing skills to use, Alyssa researched and wrote several memos and drafts which would be discussed with Judge Wood and other interns. “This was one of the greatest jobs I have ever had,” Alyssa declared.
Committed to Making a Difference
Alyssa has been keeping her writing sharp by entering the Family Law Writing Competition hosted by the Virgina State Bar Family Law Section. Her articles have placed and been published by the Virginia State Bar. These are just some of her accomplishments, as she consistently exhibited leadership and initiative through many opportunities. Alyssa has filled the positions of Hostess of Regent’s Academic Journal’s Annual Symposium, board member of the year for the Symposium, founding president of the Family Law Society, and at graduation, was the recipient of the Counselor at Law award at Regent’s Child Advocacy Clinic.
“Please pray for me, that God will use me to make a difference.”
The next step in Alyssa Schiefer’s life-changing career involves spending a year in Africa to partner with Uganda Christian University (UCU) while also learning more about international law as she assists their legal clinic. “I will be able to help with property claims, criminal law issues, and much more,” Alyssa explained. “The goal is to be a part of their educational clinic by attending classes, working on cases, traveling to prisons, and helping facilitate the partnership between Regent and UCU.” To support the Kyampisi fight to protect children, Alyssa anticipates researching law, drafting memos and petitions, and supporting in court proceedings.
Alyssa truly enjoys helping others and is grateful to have a career where she can make a difference in someone’s life. Looking back to how far she’s come, freshman Alyssa could not have envisioned attending law school, advocating for children’s rights, and then preparing to serve in Uganda. “Please pray for me,” asked Alyssa, “that God will use me to make a difference, be a godly testimony, and help pave the way for additional fellowships in the future.”
Read more about how God is directing and working through PCC faculty and alumni.