Meet Alex, a first-year mathematics student who's just getting acclimated to university life at Waterloo. Eager to dive into their coursework and make new friends, Alex finds themselves frustrated and confused by the sudden news of Teaching Assistants going on strike. Having heard stories about co-op experiences from upper-year students, they’re worried how this might disrupt their plans for a smooth transition into the university's rigorous academic environment. Alex is actively involved in study groups and enjoys discussing both academic and social issues on campus, hoping to advocate for their fellow students during this unexpected turn of events.