Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 1188
Submitted: June 12, 2015 at 1:57:00 PM
First Name: Garrett
Last Name: Giannidis
Student Number: 10108655
Email: 13gg3@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BA
Plan: ECON
Level of Study: 3
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,
This letter is to appeal the requirement to withdraw and to request late drops in ECON 212, 222 and MATH 126 due to extenuating circumstances. The extenuating circumstances detailed below prevented my focus and full potential in the above noted courses.
This past year has been a particularly difficult one for both myself and my family. In this recent year I have developed emotional obstacles which drained a lot of my attention and energy. It has affected my work and study habits, ultimately resulting in my low GPA, and the reason for me not fulfilling the requirements of my probation. Developing what seemed to be depression was exceedingly difficult for me. It demanded all of my energy and robbed me of reaching my full potential. It held me captive at times, and rendered me powerless. It affected me academically, obviously as reflected in my grades, as well as socially as it made it increasingly difficult to interact and enjoy social gatherings. This is a result from many things, including ill family members, as well as an ongoing family struggle, which has left several members of my family experiencing increased levels of stress and frustration. I have provided documentation from my physician verifying the reality of the struggles, as well as the detrimental effects it had on my academic progress.
I began developing anxious thoughts and feelings while attempting to complete my assignments and prepare for tests and examinations. It was an overwhelming feeling that I wasn't good enough to complete the task at hand, not smart enough to receive a grade that was acceptable. With each unacceptable grade that was handed to me, it took a larger and larger piece of my confidence, breaking me down as well as feeding by doubtful thoughts. I forgot what it was like to be happy with a grade, to enjoy the material I was fortunate enough to be provided. It took away from my experience and stole my focus, resulting in receiving more unacceptable grades, feeding the cycle that would continue to repeat.
Overcoming obstacles seems to be a regular occurrence for me as of late, and as I understand the appearance of my situation does reflect poorly on me as a student, there will be several corrections made to my daily life as a Queen's student. Although I have yet to do so, I strongly believe and hope to be given a chance to prove to you that I do not require a year away from school. Confidence in one's self is the first step to success and I do believe I have found in myself what it takes to continue my studies at Queen's. I implore you to allow me the chance at redemption, to prove to you that I can achieve my goal at a successful year, and if given the chance I know there will be no regret on the matter.
Sincerely,
Garrett Giannidis
This letter is to appeal the requirement to withdraw and to request late drops in ECON 212, 222 and MATH 126 due to extenuating circumstances. The extenuating circumstances detailed below prevented my focus and full potential in the above noted courses.
This past year has been a particularly difficult one for both myself and my family. In this recent year I have developed emotional obstacles which drained a lot of my attention and energy. It has affected my work and study habits, ultimately resulting in my low GPA, and the reason for me not fulfilling the requirements of my probation. Developing what seemed to be depression was exceedingly difficult for me. It demanded all of my energy and robbed me of reaching my full potential. It held me captive at times, and rendered me powerless. It affected me academically, obviously as reflected in my grades, as well as socially as it made it increasingly difficult to interact and enjoy social gatherings. This is a result from many things, including ill family members, as well as an ongoing family struggle, which has left several members of my family experiencing increased levels of stress and frustration. I have provided documentation from my physician verifying the reality of the struggles, as well as the detrimental effects it had on my academic progress.
I began developing anxious thoughts and feelings while attempting to complete my assignments and prepare for tests and examinations. It was an overwhelming feeling that I wasn't good enough to complete the task at hand, not smart enough to receive a grade that was acceptable. With each unacceptable grade that was handed to me, it took a larger and larger piece of my confidence, breaking me down as well as feeding by doubtful thoughts. I forgot what it was like to be happy with a grade, to enjoy the material I was fortunate enough to be provided. It took away from my experience and stole my focus, resulting in receiving more unacceptable grades, feeding the cycle that would continue to repeat.
Overcoming obstacles seems to be a regular occurrence for me as of late, and as I understand the appearance of my situation does reflect poorly on me as a student, there will be several corrections made to my daily life as a Queen's student. Although I have yet to do so, I strongly believe and hope to be given a chance to prove to you that I do not require a year away from school. Confidence in one's self is the first step to success and I do believe I have found in myself what it takes to continue my studies at Queen's. I implore you to allow me the chance at redemption, to prove to you that I can achieve my goal at a successful year, and if given the chance I know there will be no regret on the matter.
Sincerely,
Garrett Giannidis
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: I will hire tutors to assist and ensure that I am confidently and correctly grasping core course material. In addition, an increase in the utilization of resources offered by Queen's will become a regular occurrence, including using TA and professor's office hours. There will be carefully planned study schedules, having me in the library almost every day, to make certain that each week the course is not getting away from me and I do indeed get the opportunity to practise and strengthen the necessary skills.
Also, a lighter course load will be taken, taking only 4 courses each semester, and if needed even less, in order to focus my attention on excelling the best I can at the classes I am enrolled in. If ever I find myself even thinking about questioning any of my choices, or needing guidance on my academic path, I am fully aware and fully prepared to utilize the academic offices the university offers and allow them to help make my journey one that makes the most sense for me, making it more possible that I am successful at what I do.
On a side note, my academics will no longer be so severely affected by mental or emotional shortcomings. If ever there is a time where I feel overwhelmed, or unable to do something relating to academics, or not, I will not hesitate to seek assistance from trained professionals both employed by the school or privately. I am hopeful that with the necessary supports in place, I will be able to put this difficult time behind me and I am very ready to prove to you that I am able to move forward in a positive manner.
Thank-you for your consideration,
Garrett Giannidis
Also, a lighter course load will be taken, taking only 4 courses each semester, and if needed even less, in order to focus my attention on excelling the best I can at the classes I am enrolled in. If ever I find myself even thinking about questioning any of my choices, or needing guidance on my academic path, I am fully aware and fully prepared to utilize the academic offices the university offers and allow them to help make my journey one that makes the most sense for me, making it more possible that I am successful at what I do.
On a side note, my academics will no longer be so severely affected by mental or emotional shortcomings. If ever there is a time where I feel overwhelmed, or unable to do something relating to academics, or not, I will not hesitate to seek assistance from trained professionals both employed by the school or privately. I am hopeful that with the necessary supports in place, I will be able to put this difficult time behind me and I am very ready to prove to you that I am able to move forward in a positive manner.
Thank-you for your consideration,
Garrett Giannidis
Documentation
Professional Letter: PHYSICIAN LETTER .pdf