My Guiding Stars Premiere Experience & Matters Arising (2022)

[Ewaade_3A]

Did you catch the Guiding stars premiere live? Well, I did and I think it was a beautiful ceremony that was properly orchestrated; from the; Local Guides that were highlighted, to the product information that was shared, to the synergy between the Google Team members, to the transition between the videos! It was nothing short of perfection

I think Kristen is a great team lead, like what do you expect? Women win always, right? and I am proud of all that she has been able to accomplish within a short time with us.

I doff my hat.

So, what did I like most about the Premiere?

1. The way particular Local Guides from each of the categories were highlighted. I enjoyed JordanSB’s intro, it was relatable …
2. I love how the new features on Maps were highlighted. I have seen ‘live view’ but got to understand how it works better on that day. I look forward to exploring and using the ‘Neighborhood vibe’ as described
3. I like how many of the Googlers began by introducing themselves and their Local Guides’ levels. I am a ‘Senior’ to many of them
4. I like how Masa UI describes things, you can almost picture those things, if you have a vivid imagination, he piques my interest in creating better videos for Maps Now, I look forward to hearing Masa share with us everytime is that too much to ask? ‍ ‍

I think it was an effective use of ‘25 minutes’, a brilliant definition of ‘power-packed’. Kudos team if nobody greet you, I greet you (this is the Nigerian way of saying; “if no one appreciates you or sings your praises, I do”). You have done well .

Unlike the year 2021, when I created the Outstanding Local Guides who made 2021 an amazing year list, I have no list this year because I am impressed

In case you missed the Premiere, on this link; introducing the Guiding Stars 2022, you will catch up with the details.

Matters arising from the 2022 Guiding Stars Announcement

As with many award ceremonies around the world, there are bound to be people who will be disgruntled, but, unlike many platforms of the world, many will not register their disappointment openly, especially, when out of 150 million registered Local Guides or more, only a tiny fraction are seen on the platform or on this forum, year in, year out.

If like me, you have been following the comment section or gone through the comments on the announcement board, there are 3 matters arising;

1. Appreciation/Gratitude- People congratulating themselves for making this year’s list and the Guiding stars sharing their achievements and mentioning those who inspired them. People congratulating the Guiding stars. People appreciating the Google Team for selecting them.
2. Complaint - People who are disgruntled that they did not make the list and/or that people from their region did not make the list
3. Feedback/Regret -People who think some who deserve the title did not get it or who think the ceremony was a waste of time.

I will like to give my opinion on these matters;

• To Group 1: Let no one bother you, you deserve the honor , you have gotten it and no one’s opinion can take it away from you even if they do not acknowledge or celebrate you. Your joy/your celebration is valid .

• To those in Group 2: I will tell you a short story; a true one; "one day, we (my Grandma and I) were listening to a Radio program and the Radio show host decided to do a giveaway (share a gift), she began announcing the lucky number and I did not get the gift, I was disgruntled. My Grandmother (of blessed memory, may God continue to grant her sweet repose) who was an illiterate farmer said to me; “imagine I have a huge harvest on my farm, I have harvested more tubers of yams than usual, who would I call to come have some yam? My neighbors and those around me, right? Will I ignore or fail to acknowledge all of these people surrounding me and those close to me and go on radio to announce about my yams and announce a giveaway?” Today, I have shared with you a secret that is one of my guiding principles in life. Do not for a second think that; even I do not aspire to get good gifts or to be celebrated, but, I have come to terms with the fact that; Read up. So, like I told someone in this category in the comment section; “stars don’t struggle to shine, you would never struggle to shine. Be calm, one day it will be your turn and as we are celebrating all of these Guiding Stars recognized today, we would celebrate you too.” These are my two cents to the disgruntled party.

That’s my beautiful Grandma who passed away on the 1st of June, 2017. I have never returned to my hometown since then, I have not summoned the courage to visit her grave but her lessons remain with me to this day. Illiterate according to Western education but one of the smartest, wisest and wealthiest illiterates I have been privileged to know

• To Group 3- I have received my fair share of ‘Ewaade, why did you not get this or that?’ But on these Guiding Stars awards, it has become like an anthem that is sung to me yearly , if you look through the comments, you will find them there too. I receive messages on whatsapp, Instagram and here, every year the Guiding stars awards or something else that Local Guides think I deserve that wasn’t given to me goes out. I don’t know if my explanation will help, but I would give it;

2022 has been a very rough and bumpy year for me;

1. it began with me going in for surgery in a place far away from home with nothing, not even the barest minimum that is; support from my family, no money, nothing! However, ‘Love’ paid my bills, ‘Love’ took care of me and ‘Love’ returned me back home in one piece to my families; my family by blood and my family by love (you my Local Guides represent a huge part of this)
2. It continued with me being admitted to one of the best schools for people of color in the United States ; FIU, Miami. I was ecstatic but was unable to go because I could not afford to show availability of minimum funds required to be issued a ‘Form I-20’ for filing for the US student visa at the United States embassy in Nigeria
3. To writing a book about my experience that I was unable to publish due to financial constraints
4. It continued with returning to business after almost 5 months away to the loss of many of my customers who thought my business had closed down since my shop was left locked for the many months I was away

These are few of the hardships I have had to endure this year and maintain a smile through it all.

I am alive against all odds, why should I not be grateful?

I have received immense love from this community both from Googlers and from My fellow Local Guides. I like how they have allowed me to be myself and bask in all of the love I have enjoyed from this community.

I have received;

• Many features and mentions from the Google community
• Won challenges by the Google community
• Gotten Perks from the Google community
• one of the only two Local Guides highlighted during the Country spotlight on Nigeria episode
• Received the ‘Accessibility Champion’ accolade
• Many of my meetups have been highlighted
• Most of all, I have made genuine friends and won the love, admiration, respect and support of many people

So, why, for a second,do you think I will be sad over not been announced as a ‘Guiding Star’ in this year 2022?

If Ewaade continues to get all the accolades, where will all the other Local Guides be and what will they get?

At the end of the day, Google is a ‘For profit organization’ that has mastered the art of recruiting volunteers to ensure that all of their products and services reach the ends of the world.

• Is my contribution to Map helping them achieve this in a way that deserves being highlighted?
• Am I focused on helping them achieve one of their various themes and goals for each year?
• Am I contributing like I am being paid to do so?
• Am I being friendly with other Local Guides and with Googlers and ensuring I am putting my best foot forward always?
• Are my fellow Local Guides nominating me or am I strictly at the mercy of the Googlers for them to select me when they feel like it?

I will reiterate, the love and recognition I get from this community both from Googlers and my fellow Local Guides is immense! It is worth more than any badge to me. It feels as if some people have climbed the ladder of kindness, searched through the whole of Nigeria and crowned me a Star in their hearts, I receive this honor with pride and have even designed an art for it with one of my favorite photos;

I have a lot of gifts from Google both from here and Crowdsource, some I may never even use, including all of the badges I have gotten from here that I have never taken out of this platform but your Love ? That I take with me daily and I do not take it for granted, it is in my heart and my heart is a part of me.

The team already sent me this very unique and beautiful tote bag to carry my camera when I go for photo walks , I just need the gadgets; a Google Pixel Smart Phone and a 360 Camera with tripod to complete it. Am I requesting for too much? Since I lost my phone during this Meetup, I haven’t been able to recoup to get a better phone with large memory, which I need to continue to add places to Maps, many of the places in those Local areas, I have been first to add a photo to, because many people ignore them, since such local places never fetch a lot of views or recognition. Getting every place I set my foot on, to Maps is my personal Mission as a Local Guide. If Ewaade has visited the place, it deserves its space on Maps no matter how small, irrelevant or insignificant. At the end of the day; Maps and other products are made for man and not the other way round.

This sums up my Guiding stars experience for this year, let me hear your opinions and comments in the comment section below.

[TravellerG]

Hello dear @Ewaade_3A ,

After reading your post, I’m stuck with multiple feelings, along with my keyboard too…

I don’t have a long reply… because I’m not a good orator/writer like you.

I agree with you in your points…

Till last year, I too was in your state… I fully accepted the story of your grandmother.

I wrote a post & appreciated all known LGs, after the GS declaration.

But, this year, as a Guiding Star, , I have been expressing my gratitude to all those who NOMINATED me and supported me in LG Connect - to me, the credit of this accolade goes to you all - I fully acknowledge that you have been highly supportive to me always.

I know a couple of LGs like our @Tejal , you, etc., who in between broke your presence in LG Connect, which would have been the reason of missing your names.

I’m sure, with your consistent contributions, next year, you both can surely expect this recognition.

Prayerfully, I conclude.

Stay healthy and be happy.

Most sincerely

[Ddimitra]

Hello @Ewaade_3A

I saw the Guiding Stars announcement. Cool. But You are not in It.

You have to be patient to answer all your fans asking why you are not in it.

This 2022 you struggle to win LIFE. You recovered from your sickness, i think that’s great achievement, and you grateful for it.

Do what makes you happy, and in this forum share and give support to the one knows you, even he or she doesnt like you.

Keep writing good post and share happiness.

You are shining stars, and my bestie in local Guides.

Big hugs and love from Indonesia

[Ewaade_3A]

Thank you so much @TravellerG and congratulations once again.

I appreciate your kind words.

Broke engagement?

Well, there are many who made the list who do not even engage at all…

As for, Tejal, she was awarded last year…

I am happy you got this recognition, continue to shine as brightly as only you can. All the best, Papa…

[Ewaade_3A]

Thank you so much, Mi amor , you have understood everything and you are my best friend too.

I am at peace everytime I talk with you because I know; I never have to second-guess myself when I am talking to you, I never have to look over my shoulder when I am walking with you, because you got my back, with you and with my God by my side I can do all things.

I like your ability to be a straight talker just like me, no room for cunning…

May your Star continue to shine as bright even as you continue to be one of the very few female pillars of the Jakarta Local Guides community, like me, you are more focused on winning hearts, continue to do that because it is with this courage you are able to travel the world without fear of being harmed.

@Ddimitra

[Saiyen]

Hi @Ewaade_3A , hope you are in good health. I really enjoyed your experience sharing. And I also love your appreciation. You described very well. Thanks for sharing your amazing experience with us.

[Ewaade_3A]

Oh my dear, Saiyen.

Congratulations once again on making this year’s cut. You are a lover of all things good and a great contributor. I will never forget how you played the flute for Falguni on her birthday two years ago.

You are smart and kind.

May this year and the coming year bring you all that you really hope for and thanks for the compliments @Saiyen

[Stephanie_OWL]

Wieder ein klarer, deutlicher Beitrag von dir! @Ewaade_3A

Ich schätze deine Offenheit sehr.

Auch deine tiefe Verbundenheit mit deiner Oma teile ich mit den beiden Omas meinerseits.

Eine, körperlich durch Schmerzen stark eingeschränkt, jedoch der herzlichste und gütigste Mensch den man sich nur vorstellen mag.

Sie hat meine Kindheit geprägt und mir ihre Leidenschaft für das Backen gegeben. Noch heute backe ich die gleichen Kekse in der Weihnachtszeit, die sie mit meiner Schwester und mir gebacken hat. Sie gab mir so viel Weisheit und Liebe mit auf meinen Lebensweg und auch jetzt noch, 25 Jahre nach ihrem Versterben, ist sie gedanklich immer ein Teil in meinem Leben. Sie ist die Mutter meines Vaters gewesen.

Die Mutter meiner Mutter hingegen prägte meine jungen Erwachsenenjahre. Sie ist die durchsetzungsstärkste und leistungsfähigste Frau gewesen die ich kannte.

Noch mit 83 Jahren nähte sie für ihre Privatkundschaft noch feinste Bekleidung. Sie war Schneidermeisterin und hatte ihr eigenes Geschäft, auch Auszubildende. Keine weiche, nicht SO sehr liebenswerte Frau, aber das konnte sie sich auch nicht leisten. Sie war Selbständig in einer Zeit, wo Frauen gerade erst das Recht auf Wahlen hatten, ab 1918 in Deutschland. Eine kaufmännische Frau, die sich ihren Platz und ihre Rechte erkämpfen musste. Sie ist durch ihren Wagemut, ihre unverfälschte freie Meinungsäußerung (die oftmals nicht bequem war) der LEITSTERN für mein Erwachsenwerden gewesen. Nicht ausschließlich auf die Rolle als Ehefrau und Mutter geprägt worden zu sein ist ganz sicher ihr Verdienst und der meiner eigenen Mutter.

Du erinnerst mich ein wenig an sie! Du lässt dich nicht verbiegen und deine Meinung ist mit Sicherheit nicht für Jedermann “bequem”

Was du zu den 3 möglichen Personengruppen sagst… Puhhh… Klare Ansage

Mir würden Aussagen, die den Wert anderer Guides heraubstufen niemals über die Lippen kommen!!!

Sie werden ja sicherlich nicht nominiert, nur weil ein paar Vorschläge eingegangen sind. Sie werden ganz bestimmt geprüfte und dies auf mehreren Ebenen.

Ich kam zumindest für meinen Teil sagen, dass nicht alles was zu mir geschrieben wurde auch aus meiner Feder stammt. Details, die anderswo gefunden und für wichtig geachtet wurden.

Außerdem stehen Neid und Missgunst Niemandem gut zu Gesicht.

Klar gibt es die nomninierten Stars die Jeder kennen mag, von denen jeder gelesen hat… Und natürlich habe auch ich SIE gefeiert für ihre offensichtlichen Leistungen!

Aber eben nicht NUR für diese! SIE gaben mir persönlich auch Starthilfe und immer wieder Hilfestellung die keiner lesen konnte.

Und da sind noch mehrere, die dies taten! Und einige von diesen Menschen sehe ich auch unter diesen Stars dies Jahr.

Und die Sterne die ich noch nicht kannte, wenn ich mir durchlese wofür sie stehen, was ein kleiner Bruchteil dessen ist, was sie ausmachen… Ich bin einfach begeistert gewesen!

Es gibt Länder und Kulturen die mir persönlich nicht so bekannt sind wie die umliegenden Nachbarländer… Aber in IHREN Ländern sind sie bemerkenswert!

Nur weil ICH nicht direkt bisher von Ihnen gelesen HABE, wie sollte ICH denn da beurteilen ob jemand ein Star ist? Eine für mich unvorstellbare, ja fast anmaßenende Haltung, die ich nicht nachvollziehen kann!

Auf jeden Fall danke ich dir für diesen Beitrag!

[Ewaade_3A]

Thank you for your comments @Stephanie_OWL

I agree, sorry, strongly agree with you that;

‘My stance may not always be comfortable for everyone’.

I am glad to see you on this year’s list. Your strength and vigor in sharing with us all is commendable.

About those who feel resentful and envious, I think their feelings are valid just as those of us who do not feel this way, our opinions are valid.

As you have taken time to share, our backgrounds ultimately help in shaping who we eventually become and our outlook on life.

Congratulations on making this year’s list, I returned to this forum this year, to see we had a new shining star; you; Steph and seeing you get acknowledged in this way made me feel very happy!

I don’t know if my translator doesn’t work well or something but in order not to misunderstand you.

Who is this portion of your message addressed to? I read twice and still found it a little confusing;

“Was du zu den 3 möglichen Personengruppen sagst… Puhhh… Klare Ansage…”

From this sentence to the end, it’s unclear @Stephanie_OWL

[tony_b]

@Ewaade_3A Thanks for all you’ve written, and much appreciation for the way you’ve shared your philosophy in the face of all your recent challenges. Well wishes to you for 2023.

[Ewaade_3A]

Thank you so much @tony_b

Hmmm… Philosophy?

That’s a good way to look at it.

Thank you for your kind comments, Tony. I appreciate

[AZ_2021]

Wow @Ewaade_3A This was a very heartwarming read. Congrats on all the achievements you’ve made and your 250 posting streak. You are one of the most active and hardworking writers here on Connect, and on top of that you take time to organize meetups and are always so detailed in everything you write and strive to teach us. You also find time to comment and share love on others’ articles. It does not go unnoticed.

I loved to hear how even though your road was rocky, you found a smile. It pulled at my heartstrings too when you mentioned about how some things do not always immediately work out, but in the meantime you celebrate the small wins. Sometimes, I feel behind my peers in other aspects of life, but it is a good reminder to remember our journey and how far we’ve come and all the wins- big and small that we’ve gotten.

You are such an inspirational writer!

[Ewaade_3A]

Thank you for your heartwarming response. The joy of every writer is ‘being read’. Thank you for reading from me. I truly appreciate.

@AZ_2021

[Sophia_Cambodia]

Great summary and a package of great opinion @Ewaade_3A I wish you all the best there!

[TravellerG]

Hello very dear Ewa, my daughter…

Yes, you are right:

“… there are many who made the list who do not even engage at all…”

There are many…

Of course, many other LGs awarded with GS this time are very popular…

Best wishes… @Ewaade_3A

[Ewaade_3A]

Your comment is ambiguous, Sophea.

One of the things that strike me about you is how verbose you are.

Please clear my doubts, dear

@Sophia_Cambodia

Thanks for best wishes and extend my regards to your husband, our in-law , dear iyawo

[Ewaade_3A]

I am liking you more this year, Papa.

You Are saying things and owning it with your full chest as my people would say.

You are putting your foot down and setting an example for us all, you are not pandering to anyone’s emotions or opinions and that is making me happy because when someone sees the truth and tries to bend it or refuses to say it and instead comes to tell me in the dm or on whatsapp, I can not understand. I miss @OlgaKlimchik in this bluntness too.

Even our Googlers say; we should not engage them in the dm, ‘say what you want to say so that others may learn from it’.

My ears are full from Local Guides comments, it’s almost like they expect me to carry this weight on my back for them; like “Who will bell the cat?”! Because all these things they say never make their way down here.Some of these things, I have shared in this post; how can your experience be improved as a Local Guide, in their own words.

I hope the Google Team can listen to us, maybe that way, we won’t have 150 million local Guides on paper only and just a fraction active, that; we may have more active people both on the forum and on Maps.

How and why are people so scared to voice their opinions when they are only volunteering? People acting like they are in a paid job while piling a lot of ill feelings inwards towards the employer and this is really affecting our community.

I hope and pray that; with time, the ‘Google team to Local Guides’ interaction improves.

If our wonderful Google Team do not know how we feel about situations, how can they make adjustments? They are not omnipotent or omniscient to know these things except we point them out through our writing about them…

The point I was trying to make you see, you got it already, but I will advice…

You know the way people are, while not commenting, they are following and monitioring this thread carefully, I think you should remove details about the Guiding star you shared, so your comment does not get reported, because It won’t take long for people to figure out who you are talking about and spread ill feelings and misquote or misunderstand what you have said.

Like you always tell me; “speak the truth, without hurting anyone”

@TravellerG

I have seen a Local Guide who organizes meetups, if you ask this Local Guide a question, they never seem to know the answer, if they attend meetup, they never know the questions to ask too, but after the meetup, they go online and research carefully and paraphrase and post details as meetup recaps, then, the Local Guide gets the features and I keep wondering; “how thorough are these? Is sufficient work been done before telling us who to follow, before appraising a work as original?”

I have seen Local Guides whose number of contributions haven’t increased significantly in years, neither have their interactions with others improved too, and we are told; “they have gone above and beyond”, how?

But, how do we pass our message to the team that we strongly disagree without people thinking we are envious or the team thinking we are being insolent?

And through what channel do we pass this across? When the rule that applies to one Local Guide is bent and broken for another?

I see a lot of bias, a lot of Nepotism here but I choose to focus on the positives afterall, my country Nigeria and my continent; Africa is yet to come up with an app the whole world can use and gather volunteers from across the world.

We Are only but a third-world country and we have to grapple with whatever attitude/behavior is meted out to us and that is why “I will never complain”, let the citizens, their close allies and their friends benefit from what the citizens have created before sharing the spoils to the remainder of the world, especially to the third world countries…

We will wait for it to trickle down as long as we are not denied our basic right; “freedom of speech” while respecting the rules of the program which state in part “to avoid any occasions of inciting violnc by whatever means”

@TravellerG

[Gurukrishnapriya]

Hi @Ewaade_3A

Sorry I landed late on your post. Thanks for venting out loud. You are a bold person I ever appreciate. You know that I am a little bit upset due to recentdevelopments. That’s why late reply.

I have faced many situations in family and in occupation. I work meticulously without making much noise. Though everyone knows how much effort I put and how much I serve, I am not much recognized. Still I wholeheartedly congratulate and appreciate those who got. This life lesson leaves me to do my duty without expectations. I work because I should fulfill my duty and repay my gratitude.

Many a times I get recognized where I don’t even have any idea. No wonder I am thrilled at those times. Many of my close family and friends love me and recognize me. That’s enough for me and I am thankful to God for that.

I wish you get recognized surely and you are my guiding star.

[Ewaade_3A]

First, happy glorious and wonderful 60th birthday!

You shine bright as a Diamond at 60 and I am proud to be associated with you. If I have half your strenght at 60 and can keep volunteering, I will be very happy.

You are doing well and I appreciate your works as you continue to teach us and share with us your experiences, ma in the field of Arts and culture. You are a creative contributor.

Feel free to be upset, this year has been tough, with time, you will only get better, MA.

You are my Guide and You are a Star too, a well respected one in our community.

Level 8 is no small feat, ma, continue to shine bright as only you can @Gurukrishnapriya

I celebrate you

[BijohnAdams]

Hi @Ewaade_3A , nice to see your post. I will be more happy to see you in the GS. Anyways, best of luck for the next year GS…