As a Local Guide for over four years now, I’ve encountered and have taken part in many experiences and have learned a lot from fellow Guides - all which I am thankful for. In my earlier years of being a Guide, I found myself contributing to places I would frequent often. Back then, I had more time and a more flexible income, yet I became very used to the norm of a particular routine. I found that although that situation allowed me to explore more, in a sense, I was limiting myself in some capacity by following this routine for a large majority.
Then came the reality of - GASP - adulting.
Attempting to complete a master’s degree outside of my normal work schedule, moving out and actually paying rent & other utilities, cooking my own meals ?(I kid! This is actually pretty easy, haha). With a schedule that vaguely looks anything like it did before came the adjustment to my life as a Local Guide. At the same time, these lifestyle changes encouraged me to appreciate breaking away from the norm, and to truly squeeze out the time (and money, after financial obligations) that I did have to explore and try new things.
It has been almost a year I’ve become adjusted to this “new” lifestyle and ever-changing-schedule, but cherishing the time that I’ve found between late classes, housekeeping, and getting my dentist visits in (who knew that mom was right? ?). I branched out and tried new things like dim sum and some local khachapuri (which is rare enough in Miami); I finally explored the county north of Miami-Dade (Broward Country) and have found a ton of gems I’ve fallen in love with such as the Yellow Green Farmers Market; tried axe throwing; and even revisited a park from my childhood memories that I haven’t been to in a while.
Going beyond the norm in these terms helped me realize why I love sharing on Google Maps: I love contributing photos and reviews to Google Maps for those who are looking to break from the mundane - for those who are looking to “take a shot” on a new place, or try something they have always thought they would never and end up enjoying it. Through the past year, I’ve been in those shoes: I’ve said no to local fast food joints I would frequent to show love to a local businesses (like this small-biz pizza restaurant), I’ve relied on the reviews of fellow Guides to confirm a decision out of the ordinary, and I’ve become best friends with the “Explore” and “For you” features for the spontaneity that I’ve acquired. Being able to share my perspectives through my phone’s lens and keyboard honestly makes me feel like a superhero.
I love the thought of knowing that my wide and close-up photos of food and interiors/exteriors (it’s quite interesting seeing me in action trying to get every detail) and my thorough reviews have more than likely helped someone who, like me, wants to make the best of their time amidst everything else that may be going on in their lives; but most importantly, I love the idea that I am helping those from all walks of life through this program and community. Just like us Guides, every user of Google Maps is different - and I love contributing knowing that despite those differences, our contributions are bringing people closer together through these shared experiences.
Thank you for reading! 
And the lens is my trust Google Pixel 3 
