Being a local guide has been such a great honor for me since I joined the program exactly two years ago. I believe the Local Guides program is a noble idea that not only utilizes local talent, but makes life so much easier for all.
One thing about me is that I love offering a helping hand wherever I am and whenever I can - be it giving a lift to an elderly lady I pass every day on my way to work or answering a few questions about a place I just visited. This is why the Local Guides program appeal so much to me. Besides giving me a sense of purpose, the program enables me to offer assistance on a broader scale. Finally I am able to assist not only the elderly lady, but I have the chance to be of help to probably thousands of people without necessarily meeting them! This in itself boggles my mind. Just to know that there are people who rely on information provided by the dedicated and talented local guides in their communities is the reason I love the program so much.
Caption: A screenshot of an email showing what we contributed in 2019.
Being a part of the Local Guides program means I am a custodian of information supplied when people search for places on Google. As a custodian, it is my duty to ensure that the information provided is correct. I laugh at myself because the way I take this seriously I have gone to the extend of always making it a point to ask the operating hours of each place I visit in order to make sure this information is listed correctly. I remember one time visiting a place that had certain hours listed only to discover this had changed. Imagine my joy and sense of accomplishment when I suggested an edit that was accepted! This is one honor I can’t shake off. And because of this, I am grateful to be ranked in the top 5% of local guides in my community. Getting such recognition spurs me on and encourages me keep pushing and do what I can to assist others.
Caption: A screenshot of a congratulatory email from the Local Guides program
Having taken a break in 2019 after becoming a second-time mom, I am glad to be back in form so I can continue assisting people get where they want to get.