Summer of Growth Addie-Grace Cook ’25, a politics major with a double minor in Middle East and South Asia studies and poverty and human capability studies, is spending her summer making an impact in the greater Rockbridge community through a Shepherd Program internship with Project Horizon.

By Kelsey Goodwin
July 12, 2024

 Addie-Grace Cook ’25, a politics major with a double minor in Middle East and South Asia studies and poverty and human capability studies, is spending her summer making an impact in the greater Rockbridge community through a Shepherd Program internship with Project Horizon, an organization dedicated to addressing domestic violence and sexual assault in Rockbridge County. Cook credits this and other experiences at W&L with preparing her to pursue a career in law.

Where are you working this summer?

This summer, I am working at Project Horizon, an organization that works to eradicate domestic violence and sexual assault in Rockbridge County. Project Horizon has a 24-hour crisis hotline, a shelter, outreach and legal assistance and free counseling.

What does your day-to-day look like at your internship?

Most days, I start at the front desk, answering hotline calls, conducting intakes, and welcoming clients. The front office is a hub of activity, and I love to talk with other volunteers, staff members, and visitors who come in. Some days, I also help in the shelter—interacting with clients, helping them locate shelter resources, cleaning bedrooms, and organizing cabinets. I am also working on a longer-term project to increase community outreach by connecting with local faith organizations and civic groups.

What has been your favorite part about your internship so far?

I feel really proud to be working for an organization like Project Horizon. It is the only organization of its kind in Rockbridge County. It was started as a truly grassroots effort by a group of women around a kitchen table in 1982. I have loved learning about how Project Horizon has evolved to best serve the community. Also, because I am stationed at the front desk, I get to talk to so many interesting people and learn about their experiences and lives, which has allowed me to learn more about Rockbridge County and the unique challenges that our community faces.

How has W&L helped prepare you for this internship?

W&L has prepared me academically and experientially for my internship at Project Horizon. When writing correspondence to send to local organizations about our work, I use the skills I learned in Journalism 201 with professors (Patrick) Walters and (Mark) Coddington to write for clarity and conciseness. In thinking about the issues that Project Horizon deals with, I use frameworks and ideas that I learned in my Poverty 101 class with professor (Howard) Pickett. My style of communication and interaction is informed by my experiences taking a course at Augusta Correctional Center with professor (Sascha) Goluboff. During Spring Term, I participated in the Washington Term program taught by professor (Brian) Alexander, in which I interned in Virginia Senator Tim Kaine’s office. That experience taught me about issues that affect Virginians on a national level and how policy decisions are made, which has given me a better understanding of the policies and funding that Project Horizon adheres to and receives. I am part of the Bonner Program, which has led me to pursue volunteer opportunities at other community organizations that have helped contextualize my work at Project Horizon.

“There is something special about experiencing Lexington in the summer that gives a deeper appreciation for the place and the people here.”

~ Addie-Grace Cook ’25

How does this internship fit into your academic ambitions and career goals?

After W&L, I hope to attend law school. My internship at Project Horizon has helped me learn more about the legal process related to domestic violence victims and the court systems in Lexington and Buena Vista. Following my experience interning in D.C. analyzing issues from a national level, I have been able to zoom into the hyperlocal aspects of domestic violence, sexual assault and nonprofit work. These two contrasting experiences have helped me see both the national and local sides of an issue and how different groups approach, talk about and tackle issues of domestic violence prevention and protection. In my internship, I have also been curious about healing and growth. I have learned that the law can play a powerful role in that process. For example, a protective order can help give the victim a legal boundary and safety net when they feel unsafe, allowing them time and space to heal.

Who has inspired you during your time at W&L?

When I came to W&L as a freshman two years ago, I could not have imagined all the incredible students, professors and community members I would get to know and call mentors and friends. Two immediately come to mind: professor Walters and professor Leah Green. I took two journalism classes with professor Walters, who taught us how to be curious and not accept easy answers. He challenged me to follow my passions and be the “kid in a candy store.” This attitude has helped me discover opportunities I may not have even considered. I took eco-writing with professor Green during my first-year spring term. In that class, I learned how to slow down, look at the world more closely and appreciate the beauty of this place. Professor Green’s outlook on writing and living made me change how I see my place in the world.

What are you enjoying most about being in Lexington for the summer?

I honestly can’t think of a better place to spend the summer. It feels like being a kid again. My friends and I spend our weekends and evenings outside — swimming, hiking, watching the sunset and eating a concerning number of popsicles. I love to be outside, and the summer schedule has given me more time to explore places that I haven’t had a chance to during the school year, like Saint Mary’s Falls, the Appalachian Trail and Douthat State Park. There is something special about experiencing Lexington in the summer that gives a deeper appreciation for the place and the people here.

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