Meet Alex, a first-year engineering student at the University of Waterloo who experiences intense anxiety, particularly when it comes to new environments and responsibilities. As an animal lover, Alex recently adopted a hamster to ease their stress, but the unexpected noise and activity of the pet have turned into an overwhelming source of panic rather than comfort. Struggling to balance academics and personal life, Alex often finds themselves overwhelmed by small challenges, leading to heartfelt pleas for help in online communities. With dreams of designing secure habitats for pets, they’re now on a journey to not only manage their anxiety but also discover the importance of mental wellness and support systems during university life.