While Google Maps is an essential requirement of the people living in this contemporary world as the growing number of streets can’t easily be browsed by mere board signs, and if not yet, it is becoming one of the most important things in life. Does anybody give in some thought regarding who’s the mastermind behind this all? Well, the ones who update the listings and things on google maps are called local guides and I’m proud of being amongst them.
My story begins with a trip to a restaurant whose food I love the most. And this restaurant was about more than 25km away from where I used to live. Upon reaching the restaurant, I found it to be closed. One can’t even imagine the rage I felt while I stood out there, hungry. I gave it a thought then, I wondered nobody should go through what I did. That’s how my journey began, I looked it up on the internet myself and found out that I could post the opening and closing hours along with many other details regarding a place on google maps so I visited the restaurant again the very next day and I asked its manager the opening and closing time of this restaurant and I posted it on Google Maps so nobody else would have to burn extra fuel and waste their precious time. That’s how my being an altruistic journey began.
After reaching level 5 on Google Maps, I met with one of my friends and one of the amazing local guides who briefed me regarding the local guides connect platform and how amazing it is and all. I was so amazed and happy to be introduced to a wonderful community like Local Guides Connect.
What local guides program means to me-incredible knowledge, being altruistic, and friends forever
Incredible Knowledge:
The things I’ve learned ever since being part of google maps and local guides connect community is beyond words. The diverse cultures I have been exposed to, the places I saw on deliberate trips to the restaurants, cafes, and bars across town just to update google maps, the traveling I did across the country, the people I met and learned from, all the experienced I gained is beyond imagination. I had no idea about how accessibility works, but after joining this program, I got a lot of insight into this well. I have gained creativity and there has been an increment in my photography skills as well. I can’t express my gratitude enough for being a local guide. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Being Altruistic
When I started working voluntarily on Google Maps, I was told by my friends that I would get nothing in return. Well, I wish they had an idea of what they were missing out by not deciding to help people voluntarily. I guess according to some people money is everything for them, but what I’ve learned and gained by contributing to local guides voluntarily is far better than what money can buy you. By being one of the contributors, I have indirectly helped people and that’s what satisfies my soul and that’s the biggest return this community could give me. I can’t simply ask for more. This is what being part of this local guides community means to me.
Friends Forever:
The most important thing to me, that I found across this platform is not particularly a thing. In fact, they are people and the best I’ve ever met in my life. Not only I share a great friendship with them, but my life ambitions and goals as well. @KashifMisidia who’s not only a mentor for the local guides of Pakistan but is also one of my best friends. @AIMAN_SAEED has helped me out on many occasions and I’m really grateful to her. Besides them, I have @Bilal_shaikh @Danish_Raza @Anonymous @Bal @AkmalB and many others whom I often meet with and learn from during the local guide meet-ups. All of us together, not only do we update Google maps, but we also work on accessibility, eco-friendly environmental schemes. Attending every single one of the knowledge sharing meet-ups along with my fellow local guides is always a pleasure.
Conclusion
Local guides program has changed my perspective of perceiving the world and the thing that matters to me the most, what I desire the most is to meet people across the globe and know-how they live in diverse cultures, speak different languages, get an insight on their traditions and customs in person. Participating in the mega event of Connect Live this year could be the dream for millions of people, but it’s the ultimate dream and wish and desire of mine, and I’d love nothing more but to be among the 200 enthusiastic local guides who’d make it through and I would love to bring whatever of the incredible knowledge I’d gain from the people I meet, back to my own people and share it with them. I can’t thank the local guides community and everyone I have ever met here enough.
You’ve put your belief in me and that is enormously encouraging. I can’t thank you enough 