The pledge of allegiance is something a lot of Americans take for granted. But for those who are able to say it for the first time as their dream of becoming a U.S. citizen turns into reality, it means everything.

On a recent Monday at the Bellevue Library, the U.S. Citizenship Class started with cheers, smiles and cookies. One regular attendee announced that after years of waiting, she had received her U.S. citizenship. The woman, who wished to remain nameless, couldn’t express her excitement.

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a process and includes not only a $680 fee, but also a waiting period, an interview, and multiple tests. Fortunately, there are many free U.S. citizenship class offered to help people prepare. The Bellevue Library is just one of 15 locations throughout King County where free tutoring is provided to those attempting to gain U.S. citizenship.

Specifically, the class focuses on the civic test, or “naturalization” test, which is the interview portion.

“It’s made up of 100 questions and lessons are geared around memorizing the answers to those questions,” said Jo Davinta, the Diversity Program Coordinator at the Bellevue Library. “In the actual interview, the person will be asked 10 questions of which six they have to get right.”

These questions range in topic, from principles of American democracy to the colonial period to gaining our independence.

Ann Ewel has been volunteering to teach the class at the Bellevue Library for five years. By day, she is the Director of Library Services at Overlake School. But by night, she transitions into the role of tutor.

“I have a background in history and in the library (and) when I saw the flyer asking for volunteers to teach the citizenship class, it felt like a really good fit for me,” she said.

Ewel said it’s truly amazing how well the class works, especially without knowing who will attend on any given night.

The class is free, open to the public and requires no registration. Class resources are provided, for the most part, by the King Country Library. However Ewel has collected materials over the years.

“I continue to think about and come up with new ways to engage the students in the material and for them to talk and to feel comfortable asking questions,” she said. “I keep doing it because I really enjoy the people who come to the class and I think they will make a positive contribution to our community, like generations of immigrants who have come before them.”

Alah Salah, 33, has been in the country for five years and takes his test on Oct. 28. He said the class has helped him tremendously.

“When I read the book, I don’t understand. But when (the teacher) explains it, I understand,” he said.

Salah, who is from Morocco, said he looks forward to having more rights and being able to vote. But above all, he wants to bring his wife to the U.S. to start a family, a much easier task if you are a citizen.

Sharon Adams, 36, moved to the area from Malaysia eight years ago with her Australian husband. She said the class is very informative and actually helps because there are discussions and explanations opposed to simply memorizing answers.

“No matter what you study or how well you know it, you can forget when you get nervous,” said Adams, who takes the test Nov. 6. “Hopefully it all goes well.”

And Adams is also motivated by family.

“To be able to sponsor my mom would be amazing,” she said. “She may not want to come, but at least she would have the option.”

A 57-year-old woman from Syria and first time visitor to the class said she came to the states two months ago with her 23-year-old daughter. She also wished to remain nameless, but said that ultimately, she wishes she could stay here.

“All my family is in Syria. I have to go back,” she said. “But to listen to English and hear the history is comforting and educational.”

Ewel said she believes that most of the people in the class see becoming a citizen as an opportunity for a better life and she loves when they come back to share their experiences.

“In a time when our government is in disarray and we see so many negative things on the news, it helps to remind me of the big picture of our country and that this is a really wonderful place to live,” Ewel said.