Some connections begin with a common interest. Others begin with a curious question, a little excitement, and eventually… a burger date that turns into a mini Local Guides orientation! 
Well, @Nazifa_Tabassum 's story is one of those!
When she heard I was going to attend an international event in Singapore, she was already excited. But when she found out it was hosted by Google, her reaction was priceless!
And then came the million-dollar question:
“FARHANA APU, HOW!!! You’re a fashion and apparel professional! What’s the connection between the fashion and apparel industry and the tech sphere like GOOGLE!!!” 
I couldn’t stop laughing! I told her we’d have a proper chat when I returned from Singapore. She was so curious that she practically started counting the days!
Fast-forward to our much-awaited burger meetup!
What was supposed to be a casual catch-up after office over burgers at one of Gulshan’s lovely burger spots Smash Burgers soon turned into a mini Local Guides orientation. I shared stories from Connect Live, explained the basics, and gave her a few tips, tricks, and do’s and don’ts.
And guess what? She was SUPER EXCITED!
But the fun didn’t stop there. After our burgers, we headed to Gloria Jean’s Coffees, the Australian coffeehouse chain. That’s where we started behaving like proper Local Guides!
Food pictures? CHECK! Surroundings and ambience? CHECK! Menu pictures? DOUBLE CHECK!
Well, my girl was already in action! 
And here’s one little story I can’t leave out: remember the shampoo incident at the Malaysian airport? That shampoo was actually meant to be a gift for Nazifa! I’d brought it all the way, hoping to surprise her, but airport security and travel rules had other plans. 
Sorry, Nazifaaaa! The intention was there, even if the shampoo didn’t make it home! 
Now, a little more about our girl.
@Nazifa_Tabassum is a traveler at heart who loves exploring lesser-known corners of the country and discovering hidden gems. She’s pretty good at capturing places and surroundings, too. Her portrait photography, however, sometimes needs a little focus adjustment. But hey, she occasionally surprises us with some genuinely top-notch shots!
Soon, she started exploring Google Maps and contributing. I loved seeing how excited she was. For her, it felt like a fun new game—and I soon discovered her biggest motivation:
POINTS, VIEWS, STREAKS AND LEVELS! 
I receive progress updates almost like I’m her official Local Guides reporting department!
“FARHANAAAA APUUUUUUUUU! See this is a streak! 5K viewsssss yaay! I am at level 6!”
And recently…
“APUUUU! I’VE REACHED LEVEL 7!!!” 
YESSSSS, NAZIFAAAA! WE SEE YOU! 
Meet our first spotlight contributor: Nazifa! 
A textile graduate, a dedicated fashion & apparel merchandiser working with a Japanese MNC and sourcing house, a traveler, a hidden-gem hunter, and now an enthusiastic Level 7 Local Guide!
Remember the girl who couldn’t understand the connection between the fashion and apparel industry and Google? Look at her now! 
Nazifa, I’m genuinely happy I could introduce you to this platform and share some of what I’ve learned. But your curiosity, enthusiasm, dedication, and contributions are entirely yours. I’m super proud of you!
Let’s give her a BIG warm welcome and congratulate her on reaching Level 7!
Here’s to more discoveries, meaningful contributions, and hidden gems finding their way onto Google Maps.
Keep exploring, keep contributing, Nazifa! And please keep those progress reports coming. Your unofficial score-update recipient is always ready!
Fighting, fighting! 
#LocalGuides #WomenAtLocalGuides #Bangladesh #CommunitySpotlight #FromInspirationToContribution
and congratulations 
I’m truly grateful to 
