By Joy Vann 

From writing speeches to meeting with constituents, six hard-working Old Dominion University students recently gained hands-on experience in Virginia’s General Assembly, preparing them to lead and serve across the Commonwealth of Virginia.  

The highly competitive General Assembly Internship program, operated by the University’s Office of Government Relations, pairs students with state legislators during their 60-day session in Richmond, Virginia.

The interns’ days were packed. Even with their busy schedules, they continued their coursework with online classes at night.

Through the Office of Government Relations, Old Dominion University maintains a strong presence in Richmond, ensuring students are not only learning about policy but actively contributing to it. 

The Virginia General Assembly, established in Jamestown, Virginia, as the House of Burgesses in 1619, is often referred to as the oldest English-speaking, law-making body in the New World. 

Delegate James A. “Jay” Leftwich Jr., who has been a member of the House of Delegates since 2014, has worked with many Old Dominion University students over the years.

“I’ve seen firsthand how Old Dominion University’s internship program makes a positive difference for students who want to understand the legislative process and acquire practical work experience,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to host many ODU interns, and their contributions to my office have been invaluable. I enjoy working with and I am encouraged to see young adults taking an interest in a program that provides engaged learning and a ‘real life’ work environment, and I’m grateful for their assistance and perspective each year." 

Earning one of the internship spots calls for a top-tier application. . It requires good grades, drive, poise and perseverance, as Eugenia Asigbee can attest. She is a senior majoring in political science with a double minor in criminal justice and philosophy. 

Eugenia, a resident of Stafford, Virginia, is president of the Old Dominion University Pre-Law Association and director general of the University’s Model United Nations. She has taken part in two business internships, and last fall was an intern in U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner’s office. The high point of her final undergraduate semester has been participating in the General Assembly Internship program. 

The first-time Eugenia applied she was not selected. That made her even more eager to apply again, and she is glad she did. Serving in both the House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia provided an invaluable experience and the opportunity to meet with the state’s power players. 

She worked for Delegate Joshua G. Cole and Senator Mamie E. Locke, which provided Eugenia a deep dive into how the legislative bodies work together. While absorbed in the details of the work, she kept her mind open to everything around her. 

“Throughout the program, I was a sponge and soaked up every meeting, every opportunity that came to me. You never know who you might meet. I didn't have the expectation of meeting the governor or the attorney general, but I've seen them not once, but on so many different occasions,” she said. 

Another participant was Matthew Juarez, a sophomore from Suffolk, Virginia and a member of the University’s Perry Honors College. He is studying political science and is president of the University’s Political Science Association. He worked for Delegates Jackie Hope Glass and C.E. “Cliff” Hayes Jr. during the internship program.

Delegate Glass, who has been a member of the House of Delegates since 2022, said, “What I’ve come to understand from working with ODU interns is that students aren't participating because they want paid experience; they are seeking opportunities to broaden their perspectives. My ODU interns have brought insight into my office that I simply would not have access to otherwise, and that has made us better at serving people, full stop. This work requires proximity to truth, to community, and to the next generation of leadership, and internships create that bridge.”

In his first week, Matthew attended the inauguration of Governor Abigail D. Spanberger. He also met legislators from across the state throughout his time in Richmond. While starstruck at first, he came to see the political figures as regular, hardworking people. 

“They are not just symbolic figures that you watch on TV. Seeing that they have a personality and seeing the care and personal investment in the bills they propose gives you the insight that each bill is proposed for a reason,” he said. “Our lawmakers have families, personal lives and work regular jobs. They only work in session for two months a year, the rest of the time they are back in their districts working their regular full-time jobs.”

Matthew said every day working in the General Assembly was different from the last. In a social media post, he chronicled a typical day in Richmond, which always began with a look at the Virginia State Capitol. His experience taught him that there is more to making a law than meets the eye. 

“It starts with meetings with stakeholders and lobbyists to create the perfect bill. Then, you must work with other lawmakers to negotiate and produce yet another perfect bill,” he said. “Once this is all done and it goes through the procedural requirements of both houses and signed by the governor, only then does it become a law.” 

His advice to future Old Dominion University interns is to walk in with confidence and a genuine excitement to learn. 

“You will work on real bills that have the potential to become real laws, and that responsibility is both humbling and empowering,” he said. “Say ‘yes’ to opportunities, say ‘yes’ to challenges, say ‘yes’ to the hard projects and remember that everything you do and experience is shaping you into a better leader.”

Other Old Dominion University General Assembly Internship program participants include:

  • Kayla Oglesby, who worked with Delegate Bonita G. Anthony and Senator Aaron R. Rouse;
  • Marchelle Babbs, who worked with Delegate Marcia S. “Cia” Price and Senator Angelia Williams Graves;
  • Ajani Oliver, who worked with Delegates Alex Q. Askew and Phil M. Hernandez;
  • Gabby Czymbor, who worked with Delegate Michael Feggans and Senator L. Louise Lucas; and
  • Brynn Wood, who worked with Delegate James A. “Jay” Leftwich Jr. and Senator Bill DeSteph.

Senator Angelia Williams Graves, who was a Member of the House of Delegates from 2021-2024 and has been a member of the Senate of Virginia since 2024, said these internships play an important role in the development of public servants. 

Senator Williams Graves said, "Internships focused on public service are one of the most powerful investments we can make in the next generation of leaders, and Old Dominion University's internship program exemplifies that commitment. Having ODU interns support our office, both in the district and throughout the General Assembly session, reinforces just how vital it is for young people to experience firsthand how government works and how policy shapes the lives of real people in our communities. 

“It is a testament to ODU's dedication to civic preparation that one of our interns earned a place on our team for the 2026 General Assembly session, and we are proud to play a role in shaping public servants who will carry that mission forward."

Programs like the General Assembly Internship program exemplify Old Dominion University’s mission to connect learning with real-world impact — equipping students with the knowledge, experience and perspective to lead in Virginia and beyond. The paid, full-time internship offers students insight into the inner workings of government, equipping them with practical experience and a deeper understanding of public service. Learn more about how to apply by visiting General Assembly Internship program.