What does the Local Guides program mean to me: Self Growth. Life record. Sharing.
My journey as a local guide started about half a year ago and I have been extremely passionate about it until now.
The reason why I started to share my experience on Google Maps was really personal, which was to improve my writing skills in English since I am not a native English speaker.
I was re-located to New York by my company four years ago and I was really lacking professional writing skills at work. In order to force myself to keep writing, I needed to find something matches my interest and keeps me motivated.
I am a true foodie and love to try new restaurants, so I discovered what my passion is- writing reviews for dining experiences.
Hence, for me, the first meaning of being a local guide is self growth. It is not only a way to improve my writing skills but also a way to explore new places, new food and how to evaluate personal feelings or eliminate bias.
I feel a sense of accomplishment when I look back to all the reviews I wrote or the photos I took. They are all the records of my daily life, whether it’s sweet or bitter.
I don’t really have a diary so these are my type of dairy to cherish the memorable moments in life. When I want to share my experience of a trip to my friends, I can easily search on Google Maps and show my reviews and photos on my phone, of course with additional description and personal stories in person.
The best thing is, if my friends are interested in a place, we can have more information about that place as a reference on Google Maps, which is efficient.
I use Google Maps all the time to check information, reviews and photos before planning a trip, event, even only for a meal.
If I am not traveling I must be planning my next trip using google map.
Google Maps is like a database built from all local guides’ effort, which helps me a lot in my daily life so I would like to be part of the contributors and keep it sustainable.
There is an old saying from Chinese, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” When I receive appreciation from business owners or “like” from other users, I really feel proud of myself and that motivates me to work harder.
I love being a local guide because I get to sharing my experience, for better or for worse, with everyone around the world.
“If I am not traveling, I must be planning my next trip using google map.”