Meet Alex Chen, a third-year Engineering student at the University of Waterloo who thrives on debating the intersection of education and policy. Growing up in a family of educators, Alex developed a keen interest in how institutions adapt to crises. They often engage in discussions about the balance between online and in-person learning, especially after navigating the shifts during the pandemic. With aspirations of becoming a policy analyst, Alex believes that educational institutions like Waterloo should leverage their autonomy to innovate and adapt effectively, regardless of governmental pressures.