My name is Jason Lupatkin and I'm a freshman at Leland Stanford Junior University. Before starting college on the West Coast, I had lived my entire life in Manhattan, New York. For me, elementary and high school were spent at Hunter College Campus Schools, a four story building in the middle of the city that resembles a castle more than a school. Growing up in the city was amazing and, after my time at the Farm, I look forward to moving back to my "quaint" hometown. Although I have yet to declare my major, I am leaning towards history, with a focus on the story of the United States of America. When I'm not working and have some free time, I enjoy listening to all types of music, reading anything, and hanging out with my friends.
Early during my freshman year at Stanford, I walked-on to the Men's Varsity Crew team. Having wrestled, swam, and played baseball and basketball in high school, I was attracted to the idea of representing Stanford athletics and joined the team. From the beginning, rowing appealed to my competitive nature and soon I was hooked on the sport. It was through rowing that I heard about the Ride Against AIDS from Austin Keeley and Dave Evans — luckily, a spot opened up for me at the last moment and I'm thrilled to be a member of the team.
Mere days after I have completed my first year at Stanford, I will begin what I'm sure will amount to the journey of a lifetime. Traversing my home from coast to coast for a truly profound and important cause will be an educational, eye-opening, and unforgettable experience for me and those I encounter that I'm truly looking forward to.