Name: Lucy Sparks Mendez
Class Year: 2026
Major: Neuroscience, Creative Writing

Internship Organization: Kennedy Krieger Institute
Internship Title:   Undergraduate Research Assistant
Location: Baltimore, MD
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

We are working on collecting and processing neurobiological and neurobehavioral data of rat pups and the response that early life stress has on their development.

Why did you apply for this internship?  

Before Bryn Mawr, I lived in South Philadelphia for three years. My condo was only a three-minute walk from the Old Pine Center. I fondly remember walking to and from school and my extracurricular activities, and passing Old Pine. Now that I am back in Philadelphia for college and have the opportunity to work, I wanted to reconnect with South Philly’s community and give back what they had given me: kindness, open-mindedness, and cultural experience. Why Old Pine and not another organization in South Philly? The Summer in the City program seemed to be the perfect fit. I have always enjoyed teaching children and learning from the new generation. Through them, I reconnect with the powerful tool of creativity and the skills of communication.
 
What was your favorite part of this internship?  

Having to be pulled from task to task in different areas of the center, I have met and befriended many people. In this process, many unique stories and conversations have arisen. This social aspect of Old Pine is my favorite part of my internship. Being a somewhat introverted and awkward person, talking to new people has been an impeding weakness; however, being in Old Pine’s friendly atmosphere, I have learned the importance of confidence and communication. Making small talk and opening myself up has proven to be interesting and helpful. After my internship, I hope to continue my newfound confidence and exploration of stories. 

Can you talk about the skills you learned and why they are important to you? 

A crucial skill my internship has highlighted is problem-solving. The children I work with are between the ages of three and twelve. Between these ages, social and mental skills are being developed. To ensure appropriate behavioral tendencies and respect, I need to be skilled in giving clear instructions, being compassionate, and open-minded to different needs. This problem-solving comes with positive and negative outcomes, but I learn what works and does not. This skill will be helpful in college when finalizing my major and other important steps towards my future. Not only does problem-solving help with my academic goals, but in my daily life. Many of us need to choose between many options daily. With limited time schedules, conflicting plans, and relationships, problem-solving is integral for decreasing stress and increasing happiness. In short, I am grateful for this internship and the skills that have come with it.