The Local Guide Program means a great deal to me. The reason is because I have been a passionate traveller all my life, whether it’s with family or friends or even alone, I have always enjoyed travelling. I would never miss an opportunity to travel even when it’s to places I have already been to several times. The truth is that for me every trip whether it’s long or short is a new experience for me. I meet new people, see things that I have not noticed before and therefore every feeling is unique in its own way.
When I was first introduced to Local Guides initiative by my brother, I had no clue about the degree of impact this application had on people’s lives. I would consistently contribute whatever information I possibly could to Google Maps and their weekly updates on my progress kept me going further. This gave me a great sense of satisfaction because I knew I was doing something different that could really help out people like me elsewhere. When most people would just pass by, I made sure I put my time and energy to contribute to the community as I knew my efforts would help others take better decisions. I have made sure I contribute sincerely to Google Maps because I understand that it is contributions like these made by other fellow Local Guides that has helped me make choices and thereby gain the best of experiences wherever I go.
I would also like to mention how my brother and I always compared our contributions and assess ourselves and each time I receive emails about my progress, I would straightaway call him up and brag about it and tell how important my contributions were to the community.
When I received the mail saying I could apply for Connect Live 2020, I was so thrilled and awestruck at the same time. It was a moment when I realised how significant Local Guides like me were to the program. It was a moment when I realised that though I may be insignificant , in the larger picture my efforts mattered and that it helped build something so massive and significant. I am both a benefactor and a beneficiary of Google Maps and I trust it because I trust the other Local Guides out there like me. And undoubtedly , it’s a big hurray to that one program that has made the world a better and safer place for the millions of people out there.
Though my efforts may look small, the Connect Live program is the greatest recognition I could ever receive from Google and I would be very honoured to be part of it - to celebrate our impact across the globe.
