Meet Alex, a pragmatic second-year engineering student at the University of Waterloo. After experiencing the rigors of co-op placements and high-stakes projects, they’ve learned to embrace the idea that grades are just one piece of the puzzle. With a thoughtful approach to education and a knack for mentoring their peers, Alex often finds themselves offering advice to fellow students, aiming to help them navigate the academic landscape without getting too bogged down by grades. Their focus is on real-world applications and learning experiences, rather than just numbers on a paper.