The Local Guides program mean to me Bunch of fun and excitement since I got started almost a year back. It has opened the door for Impact, Adventure and friendship for me.
First and foremost, Local Guides means impact and fulfilment to me, there’s nothing as good as the joy of making impact in other’s life, so when my reviews, photos, videos, edits, answers, creating and publishing lists and so on helps others in making guided and good decisions, or helps a businesses make more sales, it create that kind of fulfilment, that’s priceless and second to none. I remembered sharing videos of over a decade abandoned and uncompleted buildings in a Housing Estate in my locality. It got unexpected online and offline likes. I’m optimistic these videos will make even more impacts sooner than expected because of the waves created. Oh, the monthly emails of my impacts and people helped. This really gives me goose bump.
Also, I had mostly been a reserved type with a low level of confidence and social interaction. However, having joined the program some months back, I’ve been exposed to a world of freedom, adventure and new experience with good sense of humour and I’m loving it. My brother also got involved not wanting to miss out from these, especially, when I taunts him with my Local Guides perk which he admires to a fault.
Furthermore, through my involvement in the Local Guides program, I have been more observant, responsible and friendly. Reviewing or editing places requires observation just like taking productive pictures or making videos requires friendliness in a least friendly environment. These skills have grown in my everyday activities as a Local Guide. Friendship with colleagues (Local Guides) in Nigeria and other places around the globe like America, Australia, Spain, South Africa and others, is another beautiful aspect of this program. Through this, my interest to see the Golden gate bridge, watch the ‘Quadrille’ dance by the Australian, taste the Spanish ‘Paella Valenciana’ or learn the Zulu culture of the Rainbow nation (I think their dressing will fit me alright), have increased with each day. I feel international despite hoping to leave Nigeria for the first time ever.
Summarily, Local Guides mean to me a channel for the emancipation of culture shock to a new experience of fulfilment beyond comprehension.
