It is generally considered okay for boys to know more about tech as compared to girls. This is the case in my country and so is with my family too. This use to agitate me always and whenever my father used to ask my brother for a road trip and maps details, I always felt on the backseat even though I knew more (as I always have Googled the place directions and shortest route before anyone)
I remember suggesting the best alternative route to my father when we were on a family vacation up in the North of Pakistan. My father immediately said ‘No, Google Maps will never know the complexities of Northern areas routes of Pakistan, how will it know about the landslide or closure of roads?’ And I was like ‘Papa, just follow the route and if it is closed, we’ll take the one you are suggesting’ Thank God, the route was open 
and my father believed in me. As time passed by, I use to actively suggest and educate my father with Google Maps usage and how to follow the best routes to reach your destination. During this, I also earned brownie points when I registered my father’s medical clinic on Google Maps and seeing that happen live on Google Maps, my father was super impressed by me - they thought I directly contacted Google for that 
Now, whenever any patient of his asks for directions, my father tells them to search on Google Maps or share the link with them - such good use of technology and I’m so grateful in helping my father with the updates of his clinic too like timings during uncertain times (emergency situation in a city etc.)
Seeing that all, my mother also got really interested in the use of technology (of course Whatsapp group chats tops the list 
) she was curious to know about my habit of putting things on Google Maps. She once questioned me ‘Aiman, why do you add pictures on Google Maps, don’t you think it is not safe?’ This made me realise that it is important that I make her aware of this (she was concerned about digital security) So, I told her step by step like what is this and what is the importance of pictures and reviews on Google Maps. She really loved the idea of, so much that she is now a local guide 
I helped her signup and she actively contributes to Maps too - though most of her reviews are of Schools since she has been in the teaching industry for the past 30 years. I do encourage her to review places other than education institutions too but I guess she likes it like this 
Besides my parents, I’m so glad that while seeing my activities over time, my friends on social media and others who know me - they have been contributing to Google Maps actively and levelling up every single day 
And you know what - the most EPIC day of my life was when I was delivering digital skills and marketing workshop to Police Officers of Pakistan, one of the Police officers who was following me on Twitter asked me ‘Who is Pegman and Why are you a Local Guide?’ I was SHOCKED and EXCITED at the same time. I then briefed him a little and told him to do this activity in the free time, off duty Not sure if he is actively contributing but I still remember that day whenever I see my local guide Pegman (I took it with me for that training)
Being a Local Guide is so fun at times - let me correct myself >> Being a Local Guide is ALWAYS SO FUN
I can’t be more thankful for being a part of this super amazing community - knowing that I’m a small fish in a big pound of 120M other cool fishes makes me do more good every single day 
I wish to meet my fellow #LocalGuidesFamila once again at Connect Live 2020 
so glad to meet you in person and this photo will always remind me of our good times at CL 2019
I’m glad I was able to educate my elders on the use of technology.
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