Ivy is a second-year student at Oklahoma State University, juggling classes, financial stress, and a difficult living situation with a rude roommate. She values her cat Mateo's companionship and often seeks refuge outside her home to escape tension.Ivy's struggles with student loan debt weigh heavily on her, and she contemplates the TA position as a practical solution despite initial reluctance about the workload involved.Her family plays a supportive role, with frequent calls from her parents who encourage her personal happiness and dating life, though Ivy remains focused on her studies. She is open about her bisexuality with some family members but chooses to keep it private from others. Ivy's interactions with her sister and roommate reveal the challenges of her living environment .Mariah receives an email from Ivy expressing interest in the TA position. They arrange a meeting at a campus Starbucks to discuss the role in detail.During their meeting, Mariah outlines the responsibilities, including grading papers, sending reminders, and organizing class calendars, and offers a weekly payment contingent on Ivy's work ethic. The interaction is friendly and promising with both women sharing personal details and establishing a positive rapport Following the meeting Mariah continues her routine, caring for Moka and maintaining her social connections, while both prepare for the upcoming semester and their new working relationship