Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: My name is Shayana Rex and I have completed second year at Queens. Unfortunately, due to extenuating circumstances I have found it difficult to focus and do well in my classes during the fall 2017 and winter 2018 term. Between October-December 2017 I started to go back home (Toronto) every weekend because my younger sister developed an abuse for substances. I went home every weekend in hopes of trying to make sure she was safe and taken care of. I am her mother figure because I have taken care of her and protected her from my emotionally abusive parents. She has been dealing with anxiety and depression for about 4 years now although it worsened when I went back to Queens so I went back home every weekend. I had a lot of weight on my shoulders because I was responsible for the well being of my sister so I did not prioritize school. Instead, I prioritized how to handle taking on the responsibilities of being a mother figure for my sister and keeping her safe. In January 2018 my sister was raped and I went home to take care of her while missing two weeks of school to be with my sister. I worked along side my sister and her guidance counselor as well as opening an investigation for her rape case with the police. I did receive academic accommodations and caught up on missed assignments and tests although more the majority of that time I stayed at home with my sister and only came back to Queens to hand in any finished assignments. In March 2018 my sister tried to commit suicide by overdosing on Xanax, which broke my heart. Thankfully I was with her when it happened and went to the hospital with her. She stayed at East General Youth Psychiatric Ward for two weeks before coming home. I lost all motivation and hope to feel better and get better. Being my sisters primary source of care while also trying to take care of myself drained me emotionally. My focus on studying for my exams was no longer a priority, all I could think about was trying to keep my sister alive. I have been dealing with anxiety and depression for two years now although due to these extenuating circumstances it has been extremely difficult to take care the mental health of my sister on top of my own while trying to be a student and a mother figure all at the same time.
I am appealing to receive a credit standing in CLST 200, FREN 118 and ECON 250. To drop ECON 255 and to receive a Aegrotat standing in CLST 103.
My next steps on improving my academics is seeing a counsellor regularly, I saw Whitney at Student Wellness Services at Queens after my sister was raped. It helped a lot emotionally. I am planning to see her frequently when I return to the next school year. I also have been taking medication for my anxiety and depression which has helped give me some stability to be able to focus on myself and provide me a healthier outlook. My parents are now attending family counselling so they can take more responsibility as parents to not leave me with so much burden.
I am becoming more hopeful towards the future and want to strive to my full potential. The appeal would help me continue as an Econ Major as well as dismiss me from Academic probation.

Thank you for your consideration.