Blog
A Lifetime of Learning: Camp to Confidence
Hannah Gottenbusch is currently a Senior at the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Environmental Studies.
Hannah was only 2 years old when she started visiting Cincinnati Nature Center. She has fond memories of hiking the trails and searching for salamanders and crawdads in the creek with her family.
When she was 18, Hannah decided to build upon her love for nature and apply for a summer camp counselor position.
“I thought I would use the experience to build my resume and move on,” says Hannah. “But once I started, I became so invested in the program and in the Nature Center.”
Two years later, Hannah’s summer stint has evolved into something bigger. Today—while still pursuing a degree at the University of Cincinnati—she is a part-time naturalist at the Nature Center, leading field trips and helping with our Nature School and Nature Squad programs. In June, she’ll boomerang back to being a camp counselor.
Hannah says working at the Nature Center has opened her eyes to careers she never knew existed.
“When I started working at the Nature Center, all I knew was that I wanted to work with nature or animals but had no idea what job or what field,” she says. “I’ve learned that I have a passion for teaching children about nature. My goal is to have a career in environmental education or conservation.”
What has been most transformative for Hannah has been a newfound self-confidence, along with a passion for leadership.
“I was a very shy child,” says Hannah. “I had very little confidence in myself and in my abilities. I always classified myself as a follower. I thought that I was not capable of being a leader.”
Some might say Hannah came out of her shell at Rowe Woods.
“I learned to push myself here,” she says. “With every program I lead, I become more confident in my ability to take charge and to give people a good experience in nature.”
Her time working at the Nature Center has truly changed Hannah’s mindset.
“Before, I thought I was incapable of being successful at new things. Now, I try things I’ve never done before, even when they make me uncomfortable.”
Hannah says her Nature Center family has been so supportive in fostering her future.
“I know that I will not be judged for mistakes and that I will be given more opportunities to try again and eventually I will succeed!”
