By Lydia Baick
It’s hard to believe that a single email could lead to one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The opening line read, “Congratulations, Lydia Baick, for being selected for a special internship project working with the KID Museum.”
A few months earlier, I had applied for Montgomery College’s Spring internship program, where selected students partner with local organizations to collaborate on real-world data. I applied because I thought it would look good on my résumé, but with little hope of getting selected.
When my acceptance came through to work with KID Museum, my mind immediately started spiraling. I would have to meet new people, work with data, communicate effectively, and eventually give a presentation to the museum staff. For a freshly turned 18-year-old who was incredibly awkward and highly insecure, with no credentials or people-working skills whatsoever, all topped with dangerously low self-esteem, it sounded like my worst nightmare.
In January 2026, I visited the museum to meet Dr. Dorothy Jones-Davis, Chief Impact Officer at KID Museum. Standing outside of their Bethesda Metro Center location, I panicked while rehearsing introductions with my sister. At one point, I accidentally practiced saying, “Hi, I’m MC from intern…” instead of, “Hi, I’m the intern from MC,” which sent my sister into laughter as the clock struck 10:00 a.m. I had no choice but to walk in.
What followed was life-changing. Interning at KID Museum was my first real job, offering a glimpse into what my future career could look like. While the data was messy and challenging, I was welcomed warmly and supported throughout the process. I got to see what an ideal workplace community looks like: one where people collaborate, openly share ideas, and make space for learning without embarrassment.
"I got to see what an ideal workplace community looks like: one where people collaborate, openly share ideas, and make space for learning without embarrassment."
When it came time to present my final project to the KID Museum staff, I was still incredibly nervous. I worried my findings on visitor booking behavior and capacity numbers were not good enough and that I would freeze in place. But as I began presenting, my nerves calmed. I saw encouraging nods from people who were genuinely engaged with what I had to say. I realized the KID Museum staff truly cared about my contributions. It did not matter that I was “just an intern”; they treated everyone with respect.
With everything I gained from interning with KID, my professor invited me to attend a data science conference in Santa Clarita, California, where I shared my experience in Montgomery College’s data science program and presented my final capstone project based on my work with KID Museum. Once again, I wanted to run, hide, and say no. But this time, there was also something inside me saying yes, and it was louder than before.
Shortly before leaving for the conference, I received an email from Dorothy about potentially continuing to support the Impact Department at KID Museum. This time, there was no overthinking. My answer was undeniably yes.
I truly could not have asked for a better first real-world experience. KID Museum’s support, encouragement, and welcoming environment helped put me on a path toward confidence, growth, and success. They really are forming me to have the mind of a maker.
KID Museum is expanding its focus on teens to create deeper learning and workforce experience opportunities for older students and create a vision for what’s possible for college and career. Learn more.
My name is Lydia Baick, and I am a former student of Montgomery College’s Data Science program. Starting Fall 2026, I will be attending the University of Maryland, College Park to study Information Science.
