Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 11556
Submitted: February 14, 2024 at 1:53:00 PM
First Name: Ella
Last Name: Lee-O'Rourke
Pronoun: She/Her
Preferred Name: Ella
Student Number: 20343054
Email: 21eblo@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BSH
Plan: ENSC
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: DEVS220
Term: Fall
Year: 2023
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: I am appealing to late drop DEVS 220 (Fall 2023).
Last summer was an incredibly challenging time for me as I found myself in court, recounting my experience of sexual assault. Despite my courage in sharing my story, the verdict ruled the perpetrator not guilty, which only deepened my trauma.
Returning to school in September was daunting, especially knowing that the perpetrator also attended Queens. I tried to maintain a full course load to convince myself that I was unaffected by the events of the summer, but the reality was far from it. Throughout September, I found myself hyper-aware of my surroundings, plagued by insomnia and anxiety attacks, which disrupted my ability to function normally.
As a result, my academic performance suffered. I struggled to focus, missed assignment deadlines, and refrained from seeking extensions, believing I didn't deserve them. It wasn't until later in the semester that I sought help from academic advisors, SASS workers, and resumed therapy sessions to address my struggles.
Despite my efforts, I couldn't salvage my performance in DEVS 220. Recognizing the importance of prioritising my mental health, I made the difficult decision to focus my energy on other courses.
Reflecting on last semester, I've come to accept that healing from sexual assault isn't a linear journey and requires time. I've taken proactive steps since then, attending therapy regularly, confiding in loved ones when necessary, and seeking support from groups like PEGaSUS to navigate my healing process.
With a newfound understanding and determination, I am committed to ensuring that I don't find myself in a similar situation again. As part of this commitment, I plan to retake DEVS 220 this summer (2024).
I sincerely hope you consider my appeal, understanding the circumstances that led to my academic struggles last semester. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Last summer was an incredibly challenging time for me as I found myself in court, recounting my experience of sexual assault. Despite my courage in sharing my story, the verdict ruled the perpetrator not guilty, which only deepened my trauma.
Returning to school in September was daunting, especially knowing that the perpetrator also attended Queens. I tried to maintain a full course load to convince myself that I was unaffected by the events of the summer, but the reality was far from it. Throughout September, I found myself hyper-aware of my surroundings, plagued by insomnia and anxiety attacks, which disrupted my ability to function normally.
As a result, my academic performance suffered. I struggled to focus, missed assignment deadlines, and refrained from seeking extensions, believing I didn't deserve them. It wasn't until later in the semester that I sought help from academic advisors, SASS workers, and resumed therapy sessions to address my struggles.
Despite my efforts, I couldn't salvage my performance in DEVS 220. Recognizing the importance of prioritising my mental health, I made the difficult decision to focus my energy on other courses.
Reflecting on last semester, I've come to accept that healing from sexual assault isn't a linear journey and requires time. I've taken proactive steps since then, attending therapy regularly, confiding in loved ones when necessary, and seeking support from groups like PEGaSUS to navigate my healing process.
With a newfound understanding and determination, I am committed to ensuring that I don't find myself in a similar situation again. As part of this commitment, I plan to retake DEVS 220 this summer (2024).
I sincerely hope you consider my appeal, understanding the circumstances that led to my academic struggles last semester. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Documentation
Professional Letter: Letter of Support Petition.pdf