Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: My name is Jordan Dixon. I am a first year student at Queen¿¿s University and I am submitting an Appeal for these courses: Chemistry, Physics and Calculus due to extenuating circumstances which were not foreseen.

I will endeavor to explain the circumstances which occurred and how these situations altered the way I have been able to perform at Queen¿¿s the past four months.

These past four months have been pretty much the hardest time in my life with adjusting to university life and all the stressors that go along with that combined with the health issues of my mother (who is a single mother) and my father (who also lives alone). Firstly my mother received emergency hip replacement surgery as a result of a slip and fall down the stairs of our house. As well, my father was diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma of the Lymph nodes in his throat and neck. It has been a constant uphill battle with all of the stress it placed on me with not only one parent going through the trials and tribulations associated with their health but both.

During this semester, I went back to my hometown, Oakville, many, many times, to help my mother and father with all of the stressors on them. Feeling that I had to go back home almost every weekend and travelling three hours each way is hard on any person, not just me. It did not give me much time to focus on studying, tests or classes. The constant thought that both my mother and father were going through the hardest times in their lives hit me really hard. I felt that I had to assume the role of the caregiver since we have no family out here as all of our family is either in Vancouver or California.

During this semester, I felt absolutely overwhelmed with everything I had to deal with and sometimes felt I could not handle everything going on in my life by myself. I wanted to be dedicate to my studies, but then my commitment to my family had to paramount. I am not a quitter, I never give up and to think that I got to the point that I had to give up and succumb to the pressures which my parents health placed on me makes me feel very disappointed in myself.

My parents always encouraged me to keep up with my studies and not worry about them and they would be fine ¿¿ but my mind was really not focusing on my studies.

On November 6th, when it was time to ¿¿Drop¿ classes with no academic penalty, I spoke to my mother and said that I still wanted to continue with my education at Queen¿¿s but felt that with the demands of Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Calculus that I had to give up Social Determinants of Health because of the volume of reading that had to be done in the course and I could not fully concentrate. So I dropped that course with no academic penalty, etc. and it will not show up on my transcript.

In November again, my mother questioned me as to the rest of my courses and I told her I wanted a Queen¿¿s education ¿¿ NO MATTER WHAT.

After November, things only got worse with my family and not being able to help my parents took a further toll on me. The very thought that my dad could be gone and seeing my mom in constant pain broke my heart. I believe these are things that no child/young adult should have to witness or go through. It was a real adjustment to say the least, trying to make sure that I have time to study, get to all my classes, trying to look after my mom and dad, and also trying to maintain a social life while going through all of this ¿¿ on my own. This has been a challenging four months.

I never thought any of this would ever happen to someone like me, always on the honour roll at school, model citizen, capable of handling life and someone who dreamt of being a Queen¿¿s student and dreamt of being very successful while at Queen¿¿s. I speak from the heart and with all honesty that these last four months have to be the worst experience of my life. I feel disappointed in myself that I could not do my best with all of this other ¿¿stuff¿ going on. I tried my hardest and worked constantly, but the thought that both of my parents were hurting and that I couldn¿¿t be there for them was the most sickening feeling I have ever had.

In December, I withdrew from Chemistry, Physics and Calculus for 2016 ¿¿ because there was no way I could possibly have done all that was expected of me, not only due to the fact of how much school I missed (including labs and tests) but I was overwhelmed at the thought that I would fail ¿¿ but I guess it is just as bad as I will be left with these courses on my transcript, with a ¿¿No Grade¿ as well as the financial loss which has been sustained by my mother who is paying for my education. I guess in hindsight I should have cancelled these courses when I had a chance to without academic or financial penalty back on November 6th.

I finished Biology 102 and wrote the exam on December 13th and promptly packed up within the 24 hours I was allotted and came directly to Oakville where I am now trying to help my mother and father separately deal with Christmas. I can only hope that I obtained my three credits for Biology and that I come out with a decent mark ¿¿ but if it is meant to be it will be meant for me.

It was explained to me from Student Services to withdraw from my Winter Courses otherwise I would not be able to register for on-line learning and become a Continuing Distance Studies student. I have registered for Pharmacology and Women, Gender and Differences as if I am going to be in Oakville care giving for my parents (which I need to be here to help them), I need to keep my mind focused on my education and this will be my interim focus towards obtaining my Bachelor of Sciences (Hons) degree. It may take me a little longer, but I will get there.

I do not know where to go from here ¿¿ hence I am sending this letter to you - to see what I can do and what you can do for me and of course, where do I go from here I need your help to find a solution to this madness.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.