Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Johanne Bénard,

My name is Darby McAllister (Student10153891) The following is my formal request to waive the requirement to withdraw for one year; Received May 23rd 2017.

I decided not to submit an appeal immediately, believing that the time off would be beneficial to my mental health and future at Queen¿¿s University; As, my lack of academic success was due to my inability to cope properly and efficiently with the news of my father¿¿s poor health. (Diagnosed with a brain tumor.) However, as we near the start of the 2018 Winter Semester; I have decided to reach out and appeal this decision - as I am healthier and stronger than ever before. I have spent the last 6 months working on how to cope with the unexpected and the stressful; Learning how to balance responsibilities, while undergoing struggles with mental health.

I purchased and completed ¿¿The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook (By: Matthew McKay PH.D, Jeffery Wood PSY.D and Jeffery Brantley MD) ¿¿ Which was recommended to me by Dr. Joanna Henderson, a therapist and psychologist that I have met with a few times. This workbook, as well as my new prescription for anxiety (Escitalopram) - has made a huge difference in my mental health and confidence. As a result; I have not only been able to maintain, but have exceled in my new job at Amica Retirement. (All of which I had mentioned previously; In my granted appeal, to waive the 21-day deadline.)

All this hard work has been just as beneficial, as it has been challenging. Taking the time off to care for and improve my well-being was difficult; As admitting I was not well, was something I had been inadvertently avoiding for far too long. I never wanted to believe I was struggling as much as I had. Yet, if I had been honest with myself and asked for help from the start I may have never been in the position I am today.

However, I cannot change the past and I have accepted my situation. I no longer regret the mistakes I have made; All though they have cost me lots of time, money and pain¿ Without them, I would not be standing where I am today. I now know who I am. I know that my true calling no longer exists within the world of Fine Arts; but resides in the act of helping others.

Therefore, should you grant me the opportunity; upon the approval of this appeal - My first step once returning to Queen¿¿s University would be to make the transition into a more appropriate Degree Plan; Majoring in Sociology. (60 Core. Units / 54 Elec. Units)

Currently, with 45 of the 54 necessary elective units; I would take the final 3 classes needed during the 2018 Winter Semester. (Online) ¿¿ As, although I am extremely confident and excited about my future I know the best thing for me is to start off with a lighter course load. To ensure that I won¿¿t only be successful but thrive academically, to begin raising my GPA.

Next, I would complete the prerequisite of SOCY122 during the 2018 Summer Semester.

Then, ideally I would go on to successfully complete the remaining 54 remaining required Core Units during the 2018/2019 School year. Taking 6 classes during the Fall, 6 classes during the Winter and 6 classes during the Summer. Graduation Queen¿¿s University in the summer of 2019.

However, I know that I have set the bar quite high for myself by doing this. Therefore, I am accepting of the fact that depending on how I feel and perform after the coming Winter and Summer semesters; that I might have to continue with a lighter course load and graduate either in the following Fall or Winter Semester. Which, is something that I have discussed with Spring, A Queen¿¿s Academic Advisor.

I am extremely excited that I have not only rediscovered my passion for academics but have evolved this passion into a path that I am confident and motivated to peruse. Part of this confidence derives from the strategies I have developed to maintain healthy mindset during extremely stressful situations. I know that I am equipped more than ever to overcome any challenge that I may face in the future, may it be academic or personal.

I strongly believe that I am more than capable to return to Queen¿¿s University as a happy and successful student; And truly hope that after reading my request, you will believe this too.

I am excited for my future and aspire to get started as soon as I possibly can.

Thank you kindly for your consideration; I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Darby McAllister


(PS: I have written and attached a creative writing piece, hoping to give a bit of insight to my struggles. As my extenuating circumstance was not one of physical illness but mental.

I did not want to take up too much of my appeal going through the details of my struggles, believing the appeal should reflect my current state and future ambitions. However, I also did not want to sum up my past in just a few words¿ Therefore, I hope you can appreciate my unique efforts to explain my extenuating circumstances.)