So I’ve never been one who knows my way around places alot. I’d have to have been there at least 3-4 times to mildly recall the landmark. I remember when I was much younger, I always thought my Dad and Mum were super humans cos they seemed to always remember every terrain, bank or shop in an area and how to get there. They gave the best detailed directions of places they had been, even in not so present times and in my head l was like “WOW, when l get older I’ll be that way” … Well, as l got older l just ended up admiring all other members of my family (my elder sister and two brothers). Cos Everyone seemed to know where they were going (laughs).
I still struggle with Fully knowing my way around, so when l got my first prompt to send in my review about a place l was in my school, I immediately obliged (I remember the ‘human’ part of me that quickly Googled “the benefits of being a Local guide” after sending in that review). In my mind, I kept thinking of how cool the whole concept is because of these two initial thoughts/reasons:
- l get to take pictures of places l go and publish on GOOGLE!!!
- I get to be a contributor to the AMAZING Google Maps? …Whoa! that meant being part of Google in my head, (laughs).
So I joyfully joined the Local guides program, which enables me document life- a thing l love and do effortlessly. Left to me l would talk personally to everyone who needed to find their way around, cos l love talking and communicating by speech ( i.e. I’m a brand storyteller and VO artist) but l thought to myself; even if l can’t talk to people about how many times l’ve gotten missen or lost track of how l got to where l was going,in order to encourage them and especially tell them how they shouldn’t have to lose their way or get missen, as GOOGLE MAPS would guide them; l figured l should at least have pictures of those places to teach/show others and remind myself as well of where we’re all going.
I’ve always wanted to help/ contribute to mankind, and for me, the Local Guides program is a huge form of that.
It makes me happy to think that somehow, somewhere, a little kid, person or even an immigrant in my country would simply feel a little less lost by asking for directions, (and even if they don’t have a mobile phone, they could ask someone and he/she pulls out their phone) and simply Search to find the pictures, directions or Reviews that l or any other local guide has put up. The thought of being of great help to that person is quite an exhilarating feeling.
So far, I’ve only been a local guide in two major cities in my country but I would love to discover new places and help people and myself as well, know where we’re going.
So, in summary, here’s what The local guides Program means to me:
EXPRESSION
DISCOVERY
SERVICE TO MANKIND
KINDNESS
INSIGHT &
LOVE.
Thank you Google
I want to be a Local guide till I’m 80.
Cos there are so many new places to discover and ‘Guide’.
- From Ezennia Anita; a local lost girl to a Local Guide Girl.