Jason Amada has always been intrigued by novel learning possibilities. Amada grew up in New York City rather than the usual, small-town American upbringing that most people had. His house was in Forest Hills, Queens, and he also resided on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Like many other families, he had to shift about from time to time, transferring from one rental to the next as required. Something new was occurring almost every week in a town so bustling it might have been its nation. Neighbors were moving in and out, and buildings were being renovated. In addition, the playgrounds were converted into parking lots. The transformation was all around. While some portions of New York City have remained relatively unchanged throughout the years, most of what Jason Amada knew as a youngster entailed fluidity and a fast-paced day-to-day existence.