Meet Alex, a third-year Software Engineering student at the University of Waterloo who has felt the pressure of co-op placements keenly. Growing up in a laid-back coastal town, Alex initially embraced the excitement of Waterloo's co-op culture but soon found the relentless "California or bust" mentality overwhelming. Disillusioned by a toxic environment that prioritizes placement over learning, Alex is now contemplating a transfer to find a more balanced academic and personal life, where passion for coding and growth can flourish without the constant competition.