I have always wanted to change the world. No really! In 8th grade I went to a leadership camp where at the end of a week they had us write a life mission statement, and mine included changing the world. So as my life went on I’ve had that mission always in the back of my mind. Then 13 years later I came across a job posting for Taylor Studios with the mission statement, “To create products and experiences that inspire people.” Hot diggity that was my chance to make a difference.

This dig table was installed at Mahaska County Conservation Learning Center a couple of weeks ago. The prompt invites people to “dig” to discover fake mammoth bones, just like you would in real life. So I freely admit I am apart of the millennial generation and our workforce is often categorized as the generation who wants to make a social impact, however, don’t we all want to have a positive influence on the world around us? I think we sometimes forget why we made our career choice and get wrapped up in the daily routine of meetings, paperwork, and endless e-mail, but every once in a while I get a reminder of why I’m here. Children’s reaction to unearthing mammoth bone models. They were so excited! I was recently reminded of this when I got to see a video clip of children interacting with our new exhibits at the Mahaska County Conservation Learning Center for the first time. The two kids had untamed excitement as they dug through fake dirt unearthing mammoth bone models. They systematically compared each find to the information graphic above it. I’ve been project managing this job for almost a year and was thrilled to see all our work come to fruition and get a sneak peak at how this center will be nurturing minds of its visitors for years to come.

Just when we’re starting to think there’s no hope of pulling the latest generation of children away from their electronic devices, and they’re destined to have a smart phone as a permanent appendage, insteps our clients seeking to make an impact on their visitor’s lives, and offerings Taylor Studios a role in making this happen. Over the years I’ve seen Taylor Studios build immersive prehistoric environments, larger than life animals in nature center play areas, and irresistible water shed interactives.

So was I able to live up to my 8th grade dreams? Well I might not have changed the entire world, but perhaps the Mahaska County Conservation Learning Center’s dig table might inspire a new generation of archeologists.