Local Guides Program – My answer to a life defining question!

Hi there! Let me tell you about a question that has always been on my mind - How am I making a difference in this world? If you were thinking I’ve pondered and agonized over this question for years and one fine day, the answer came to me as a “Eureka!” moment, you would only be right about the first part of my statement.

When I moved to Chicago two years ago from India in the midst of a brutal winter, I found myself in a new country with a new culture. After settling in, I was ready to explore the city. My husband suggested that I use Google Maps to create a list of places I’d like to go to or eat at. Overtime, I used Google Maps to discover places to indulge in my hobbies like new hiking & bike trails around me. I started writing reviews and uploading photos of my experiences in the hope that it may help others like me. The Local Guides program allowed me to share my passion for food, travel and new experiences with a large community.

Through the Local Guides program, I was able to discover some small local businesses that have quickly become my go-to favorite places. I vividly remember going to a local optometry store and having a great experience with the optometrist and the support staff. I saw a note that requested for a review on Google Maps if we had a good experience, and I was happy to write them one. There are a few family-owned restaurants near me that are real gems in terms of quality of service and food, but lacked a strong online presence. I feel a strong sense of pride when I see the number of views or likes my images and reviews collect, as this is my way of supporting these businesses and they need it now more than ever.

Local Guides Program has been my answer to the question I’ve asked myself innumerable times over the years. This platform has given me a purpose and allowed me to make a mark as someone who is helping others by sharing my knowledge of places. It inspires me to keep exploring so I can guide others with the help of my experiences.

P.S. - To all those who are still wondering like I was, try being a Local Guide. ?

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Hi there! Let me tell you about a question that has always been on my mind - How am I making a difference in this world? If you were thinking I’ve pondered and agonized over this question for years and one fine day, the answer came to me as a “Eureka!” moment, you would only be right about the first part of my statement.

When I moved to Chicago two years ago from India in the midst of a brutal winter, I found myself in a new country with a new culture. After settling in, I was ready to explore the city. My husband suggested that I use Google Maps to create a list of places I’d like to go to or eat at. Overtime, I used Google Maps to discover places to indulge in my hobbies like new hiking & bike trails around me. I started writing reviews and uploading photos of my experiences in the hope that it may help others like me. The Local Guides program allowed me to share my passion for food, travel and new experiences with a large community.

Through the Local Guides program, I was able to discover some small local businesses that have quickly become my go-to favorite places. I vividly remember going to a local optometry store and having a great experience with the optometrist and the support staff. I saw a note that requested for a review on Google Maps if we had a good experience, and I was happy to write them one. There are a few family-owned restaurants near me that are real gems in terms of quality of service and food, but lacked a strong online presence. I feel a strong sense of pride when I see the number of views or likes my images and reviews collect, as this is my way of supporting these businesses and they need it now more than ever.

Local Guides Program has been my answer to the question I’ve asked myself innumerable times over the years. This platform has given me a purpose and allowed me to make a mark as someone who is helping others by sharing my knowledge of places. It inspires me to keep exploring so I can guide others with the help of my experiences.

P.S. - To all those who are still wondering like I was, try being a Local Guide. ?

3 Likes

Hi @Sheetal_RS ,

I have just released your post from the spam filters. I would like to apologize for your post being marked as spam. Our filters run 24/7 and they can be a little harsh at times.

You can visit this article to learn more - Why was my Connect post marked as spam?.

P.S.: Just to let you know, I merged your other identical post here.

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Thank you @TsekoV !

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Hai @Sheetal_RS .

Thank You for sharing your personal experience of become a Local Guides.

I like the photo of a bike trails.

Do you enjoy the bike trails ? is it a concrete track ?

Keep contribute on Google Maps and Keep calm, stay healthy and always be happy

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@Sheetal_RS good and inspiring story. Thanks for sharing this with us here.

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Thank you @Sophia_Cambodia !

@Sheetal_RS you are warmly welcome. Have a great time Connecting together :slightly_smiling_face:

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