I’ve been involved with Yelp for about 5 years now and when Google launched the Local Guides program, it made sense for me to join as well since I love exploring my city and traveling to new places to discover new foods. I didn’t use to be so extraverted, I spent most of my times at home reading or watching my shows, it wasn’t until I got involved with Yelp that I gave myself the chance to express my thoughts and opinions online for everyone to see about the places I was trying out. I’ve always had a passion for writing but always felt too insecure to post it anywhere so posting reviews online was a big step for me. Gradually, I’m getting less shy about posting stuff online but it’s still something I’m hesitant to do. What helps me is to imagine it as a diary entry, something for me to remember the places I’ve been and the food I’ve eaten and the moments I’ve experienced.
I’m still fairly new to the local guides program so I wouldn’t say this is the most interesting thing but it is quite interesting to me. It has pushed my boundaries and compelled me to not only explore new places, but to put myself more out there and strive to share more and be more pro-active. I’m really looking forward to meeting more local guides and grow the community where I live.