I started using and contributing to the Local Guides program before I knew what it was. Before I realized the impact, it would have on my life and community. It all started a few years ago when I was scrolling through my google maps app. I stumbled on the “contribute” link and my curiosity got the better of me so I clicked on it and began exploring the page.
I discovered listing after listing of places I had recently visited. The app suggested I share my experience and thoughts of these places, and prompted me to also share my pictures. I didn’t rate or share my experiences at that time, but in that moment the excitement of all I could share was born and was not to be extinguished. I figured if all I have to do was rate my experiences on a 5-star rating scale well, that was easy enough to do. And that’s how I started. I went back to my Google maps app, and I began rating my places using the 5-star rating and posting pictures. I honestly didn’t think it mattered or that anyone would put much stock in my ratings. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s as if Local Guides knew me and knew exactly what I needed to continue my participation in the program; soon after I started contributing, I received an email from Local Guides that said "[y]our photos helped people over 3,000 times, a new record for you on Google Maps." It was in that moment I grasped the impact of my voice.
What I once thought was inconsequential - because there was no way anyone cared what I had to say about these places - turned out to be so much more. In that moment I couldn’t deny the numbers; numbers don’t lie (well at least I hope not since I have no way of measuring how many people viewed my posts). Turns out people care what I have to say. My words have value to other travelers, community members, and business owners.
I have read many reviews in my life and I can tell when people are being mean and scathing for the sake of just being mean. That is never my approach. I was raised to be honest and fair; and this is the foundation on which I share my experiences. In short, Local Guides has given me a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a community and world much larger than myself. It has given me a way to leave a part of myself in every place I visit.