Meet Breaking Ground's Summer Interns!

This summer, four enthusiastic young women have joined the Breaking Ground team as summer interns. They are working on a variety of outreach projects while learning what it takes to run a non-profit. Tointroduce you to them, we asked them each some questions about their work with the organization, their future plans, and what they’re looking forward to this summer!

Name: Brittney Norton

School: University of Maine at Farmington

Hometown: Limerick, ME

What really drew me to Breaking Ground was how different it was than most NGOs. Rather than just donating money, Breaking Ground gives Cameroonians the resources they need to create a better future for themselves. I am really excited to see how the events turn out, especially our Yogathon! After I graduate I plan to continue studying abroad, go to graduate school, and hopefully join the Peace Corps. 

My favorite thing about summer is going kayaking! I have always lived on the water, so there is no place I feel more at home.  It is also one of the most peaceful places on Earth for me, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Name: Gaetan Davis 

School: Smith College

Hometown: Brunswick Maine

As an Anthropology/African Studies major, I am very interested in learning about issues related to development in Africa. I was attracted to Breaking Ground because of their firm commitment to grassroots development, an approach that I believe fosters sustainable development, so I'm excited to have the opportunity to observe the inner workings of an NGO!

I will be studying abroad all of next year in Florence, Italy. Ideally, I would love to go to graduate school for international development. In the meantime though, I hope to continue enjoying my absolute favorite summer tradition of going to Popham Beach in Phippsburg, ME. Every summer my family and I spend the majority of our sunny Saturdays combing the beach for sand dollars and trying to swim in the freezing water. A perfect beach day always ends with a barbecue! 

Name: Becca Manning

School: Colorado College

Hometown: Cape Elizabeth, Maine

I wanted to intern with Breaking Ground so that I could really try to make a difference in Cameroonian communities. I was really drawn to the goal of empowering theses communities with resources so they will be able to achieve lasting solutions to many pressing issues, such as improving water sources and improving conditions at births so that the women and children can avoid complications. I've taken many Feminist and Gender studies classes at Colorado College, and gender issues are really important and interesting to me. I'm excited to see how Breaking Ground addresses these issues, and to see in what ways I can help this cause.

I will hopefully be studying abroad in Chile next spring, and hope to work for a non-profit after I graduate. My favorite summer tradition is going to a friend's lake house on Ossipee Lake with other friends. It's so much fun to have nothing to worry about and just relax by the lake with friends and family!

Name: Catherine Schetina

School: Scripps College

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA 

I wanted to intern with Breaking Ground because I really admire their unique, community based approach to international development. I am studying Women in Religion, and am interested in working in international women’s empowerment, so this seemed like a great opportunity to see how that would work in practice. 

In addition to Women in Religion, I am majoring in American Literature and will be studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh next semester. After, I graduate I hope to get a dual degree in Law and Public Policy and work for the state department as a consultant on women’s rights in the Middle East. For now though, I plan to learn all I can about the ins and outs of running a non-profit and to enjoy my favorite summer tradition of traveling with my family and getting to spend time with my brothers, who I don’t see very much when I’m away at school.