Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern:

I am appealing final grades, and my current academic standing ¿¿ because of extenuating circumstances that have prevented me from succeeding to my full potential during my time here at Queen¿¿s. I have one credit left (MATH 121) to take in order to graduate with my BSc (general) in Chemistry, so I am submitting this appeal with the hope of my current academic standing to be understood and resolved (credits received as a pass, and failed courses be dropped) so that I may take this course this summer and graduate in the Fall of 2018 so that I may embark on my next season, and be successful in my career in Chemistry.

In the last four years, during my time at Queen¿¿s, I have struggled severely with depression. In my first year of university here at Queen¿¿s, I was having significant and serious family problems at home which was causing me a great deal of pain and anguish, which I do believe contributed to my depression and stress. I was diagnosed with, and medicated for, major depression in November 2014. Upon finishing my first year of university classes, and returning to my parents¿¿ home, in May 2014 I attempted to overdose on my sleeping medication. However, in the summer of 2015, I was in touch with Haley Everson, my academic advisor, and together we reviewed and appealed some first year marks and set me up with the Chemistry track ¿¿ as I have always excelled in the sciences, particularly Chemistry, and want to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals. I have continued to stay in touch with Haley, who has helped tremendously in my course selections and academic track.
In addition to a tumultuous environment at home between my parents, I additionally finance my education entirely on my own. I have worked two jobs since I was 16 years old, and have continued to work part-time while in university at the YMCA of Kingston to pay for tuition, rent, groceries, phone bill, etc. Financial stress has always been difficult to manage, as I do not qualify for OSAP and my TD Student Line of Credit always still leaves me short. I do not receive any financial help from my parents and haven¿¿t since I was in high school and living with my best friend¿¿s family.

My mom¿¿s extramarital affair and alcoholism broke my heart, and even more so since my parents separated. My normal, safe, and loving childhood was nothing like it is now. My dad travels a lot with his job, and when he would be away, my mom would drink heavily and come home and be violent towards me. We have had the police called several times to our house, neighbours ask questions, and many nights where my dad would take us to a hotel. I have always been uptight and a perfectionist - but depression is so different. In high school, I was able to hide my pain behind good grades and sports achievements - I graduated with a 96 average and the captain of several sports teams. But I didn't have the slightest handle on depression and the ramifications it would have on my life. It comes in waves. Periods of depression last for months on end. Sometimes I cannot leave my dark bedroom, because I cry so much and no matter how much I know I have things to do, I cannot stop. Sleep is often the only reprieve from the pain, and I truly always feel exhausted. The littlest things move me to sobs. Sometimes I cannot bring myself to check my emails because I live with this crippling feeling that I am a failure, and that some how I have caused all of this. I had two bad concussions in high school, but before concussions were taken seriously and recognized as severe ¿¿ so I have always wondered if my depression came from that. I have scheduled and attended counselling sessions in the past, but it is so discouraging having to pay for an appointment or booking an appointment but having to wait a week or more. I have used the TALK line, friends, other family as support ¿¿ but it is hard, because so few people know the real reason behind the pain, as it is such a complicated, shameful, and dark story to tell.

School and work here in Kingston is the only thing I have had to hang onto in the last few years. I have put so much into this degree, between time and money, and am so determined to finish as strong as I can, and to continue my education and get a fresh chance. This final fourth year has been so much of an improvement, and I have learned to be gentler on myself and celebrate small steps forward.

Chemistry was a challenging major, but I was so determined to see it through ¿¿ because it truly is my passion. I am currently applying to a Pharmaceutical Science program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington ¿¿ a paid master¿¿s program. I have been in touch with the Graduate Coordinator at UNCW since February and working on my application. I took the GRE test this past Saturday; all that waits is the sending of my transcript, which I hope to get resolved so that my academic standing is better. With this program, I hope to eventually go to pharmacy school at UNC afterwards. It is so imperative that I finish this summer, by taking my last course (MATH 121) so that I can either get accepted into this Pharmaceutical Science program, or enter the work force. I have applied to numerous entry level Chemist jobs, and received several phone calls and further information. I am currently 38,000 in debt, which is money that I will soon have to start paying back. This is why I cannot afford to not take this Math course this summer and finish in the Fall. I need to either start into this paid program (provided I get accepted) or begin working full-time at something better than the YMCA. I was late getting enrolled in the summer course because I still owed Winter tuition money, so there was a hold on my SOLUS account. I have submitted a payment plan which I am committed to, and have received a 1700 grant to help me pay for this summer course. I have been in touch with the course coordinator, Dr. Alan Ableson, who knows me and is aware of the situation at hand. Dr. Ableson has granted me onQ access so that I have been keeping up in the course so far, until I can get officially enrolled.

If you should have any questions, please ask. I would be glad to further explain.