2022
So... I recently reached Level 10. To be honest, I had forgotten that this community was available online, and I am so glad that I "rediscovered" it. I live in a somewhat-not-too-remote area of the US and while there are a few Google Guides in the area, I have yet to actually really meet one. ^_^ I am amazed at how much being a Guide has encouraged me to take notice of my surroundings - from well-thought-out shop displays to park benches with the prettiest views. I have found myself exploring my city storefront by storefront, and have made so many amazing discoveries in the process. I have meet business owners, heard fascinating stories about the establishment and maintenance of a business in my local economy, and gotten to know my community so much better. Of all the contributions I have made, listing what particular types of goods are available at stores is so important to my local community - we get crazy amounts of snow and the occasional blizzard, and knowing which stores offer curbside, which pharmacies are drive-through, and which stores cater to specific dietary needs can be so helpful to the local community. Most of all, I have been happy to see some of the businesses in town take reviews more seriously than in-person complaints - we even now have "bartender help" code words for women who feel unsafe in some of the local night spots. The availability of this kind of information can provide such a sense of security and save so much time. I am proud to have helped map out my small corner of the world and am so excited to continue contributing!
