2022
I began this journey a couple of years ago. In receipt of the email from Google, I was intrigued by the offer but had no idea what experiences I would encounter, as a Dallas Local Guide. How has your Local Guides Community enlightened you?
In 2016 I celebrated my 50th birthday surrounded by family and friends in New York. I met 75 people from 37 countries. I traveled to review and showcase top hotels, restaurants and destinations of cities visited by US Travelers. I also launched 3 companies, brought on new clients and partners. I helped bury my father and reunited with family members who impacted my life. I gave back and helped others. I failed, succeeded, and learned more than I ever have before - because of Local Guides.
In 2015, my last child left for college. We were proud parents, knowing our daughter would attend our Alma Mater - The University of Texas, where my husband and I met and our son had also graduated. We still fought back tears on the drive back from Austin to Dallas. What would I do with the extra time? Google Local Guides was an answer to the question. Although I own a business and keep busy, I tended to stay in my comfortable local area. Local Guides gave me a reason to venture out and find beautiful locations within the city, new restaurants, and attend events. At the time, I did not realize the program would bring me to 2017 New Year Resolutions.
I have met business owners, restaurant managers, museum curators, gallery owners and artists I would not have met otherwise. September of 2016 I turned 50 years old and a week later was blessed with the invitation to meet other Local Guides from around the world. This series of events has been life changing.
How has the Local Guides experience changed your life?
