Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: My name is Liam McMaster, and today I am appealing to drop CLST 201 after the

academic deadline. I started the second term with some challenges. I thought I

could handle my workload and power through these emotional struggles but it

proved harder than I thought to concentrate, focus and be as engaged in my work.

My dad Ross died after an intense illness 7 years ago last month (Feb 24th). I have

tried to put my thoughts to schoolwork and achievement of my academic goals and

have the support of my family, but this time February break was a more difficult

time for me to be focused and concentrate on my work. I didn't mention much to my

mom or sisters as I try to be a leader in the family, but I felt overwhelmed by the

work given how I was feeling that week. In addition, my grandfather was diagnosed

with Giant Cell Arteritis, an autoimmune disease that has caused him to lose the

vision in his right eye from a stroke. I have a very close relationship with my

grandfather and seeing him in such a fragile state of health has been a difficult

reminder of my dad's own illness and how my mom, sisters and I have to cope with

these challenges without my dad.

My dad was the problem solver, the guy who could manage issues and take care of

things in my family. Since he died so suddenly in 2009 I have struggled at times with

my role in my family. At times I escape and do my own thing, but then I can also feel

the weight of being the oldest and how I need to help them or be aware of what they

are dealing with at home in Toronto.

When I returned home for Christmas break, I celebrated my birthday and we had

family from the US and Quebec visiting so the mood was positive and even

distracting. I came back to Queen's pretty well rested and ready to continue my

courses.

February break had a different tone as I was thinking more of my dad's impending

anniversary and feeling the pressure of my course workload. I really want to do well

so he would be proud of me (he was a Queen's Commerce grad in 1983) but it was

tough as I wouldn't be home with my mom and sisters for his anniversary. I tried to

carry on but my focus and concentration wasn't very good and I wasn't feeling that

healthy and visited the clinic at Queen's three times to see if there was something

physically wrong with me.

So to summarize in February I have felt overwhelmed with these family situations

and this has affected my work. It has especially affected my results in CLST 201 as I

have not had much experience with strictly memorization midterms, which require

mental focus and clarity, which I had the opposite of. Trying to cope with my

concerns for my grandfather, worrying about my mom and missing my dad has been

a significant and difficult distraction. This was a time when my Dad would have

provided valuable emotional and moral support for us- and we cannot rely on him

and thinking about this adds to my general upset and restlessness. I am also

worried about whether my mom can cope and how I should be helping.

So how have these two events affected me I find my ability to focus, have energy,

and generally be engaged in my courses is tougher this term. I really enjoy Queen's

and all it has to offer and am looking forward to continuing my studies and being

successful here. I just didn't anticipate that my dad's anniversary and grandfather's

new illness would affect me as it did this term. I am hoping a reduced workload and

continued support from my family (more visits, and regular

communication) will help me cope and manage my courses though to the end of the

term. I am also open to any of the mental health services appropriate for my situation.