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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk in someone else's shoes, to discover what is difficult about an aspect of their life?

I have. In fact, I started a video blog called "What's Hard About It?" where I ask people from various backgrounds about challenging aspects of their lives. For example, I've asked: "What's Hard About Being a Cab Driver?" and "What's Hard about being a Guy, and Being Gay, in 2013?"

From August 8th to 18th I will be taking this question a step further! In a ten-day, cross-country train journey from San Francisco to DC with an organization called the Millennial Trains Project, I will be filming interviews where--in addition to talking to folks about various hardships--I will also try to shine a light on individuals and organizations across America who are doing innovative things to improve their communities.

In short interviews with people from all walks of life--from volunteers and entrepreneurs to musicians and politicians--I am going to attempt to produce a series of web videos which, collectively, I hope will provide a glimpse into some of the positive, innovative work that's taking place across the country.

Throughout the trip I will be Tweeting and Instagramming from @MonicaNGray, and I will also be posting updates right here on the Diplomatic Courier. Please drop me a line anytime--I would love to hear from you! I would also be so appreciative of any tips/ideas/people you think I should try to meet along the way!

For a sneak peek at Monica's work, here's her video, "What's Hard About Being a Taxi Driver in DC?"

Video and photo copyright Monica Gray.

The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.

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What's Hard About It? A Trip Across America by Train

August 9, 2013

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk in someone else's shoes, to discover what is difficult about an aspect of their life?

I have. In fact, I started a video blog called "What's Hard About It?" where I ask people from various backgrounds about challenging aspects of their lives. For example, I've asked: "What's Hard About Being a Cab Driver?" and "What's Hard about being a Guy, and Being Gay, in 2013?"

From August 8th to 18th I will be taking this question a step further! In a ten-day, cross-country train journey from San Francisco to DC with an organization called the Millennial Trains Project, I will be filming interviews where--in addition to talking to folks about various hardships--I will also try to shine a light on individuals and organizations across America who are doing innovative things to improve their communities.

In short interviews with people from all walks of life--from volunteers and entrepreneurs to musicians and politicians--I am going to attempt to produce a series of web videos which, collectively, I hope will provide a glimpse into some of the positive, innovative work that's taking place across the country.

Throughout the trip I will be Tweeting and Instagramming from @MonicaNGray, and I will also be posting updates right here on the Diplomatic Courier. Please drop me a line anytime--I would love to hear from you! I would also be so appreciative of any tips/ideas/people you think I should try to meet along the way!

For a sneak peek at Monica's work, here's her video, "What's Hard About Being a Taxi Driver in DC?"

Video and photo copyright Monica Gray.

The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.