Meet Alex Chen, a second-year Computer Science student at the University of Waterloo. Coming from a competitive high school environment, Alex initially approached university with an “every person for themselves” mentality, convinced that their peers were all rivals in the race for top grades and coveted co-op positions. After experiencing burnout and isolation, Alex had an epiphany in their 2B term: collaboration is key. Now, they actively seek to build relationships with classmates, sharing coding tips and study sessions, and embracing a mindset that values community over competition. Always eager to learn from others, Alex strives to foster a supportive atmosphere among peers while sharpening their development skills.