Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Samantha Lacy and I am currently a second year student at Queen's University. I am writing this letter in order to appeal dropping classes past the deadline. The reason I am requesting to drop classes is due to a health condition which has great incapacitated me academically, emotionally, psychologically and personally. Prior to writing this letter I wasn't sure how much to share with you since my illness is something I don't particularly like talking about. If I am to be candid, I have struggled with mental illness for the last six years. Although I have received many treatments and been on several medications, I had a relapse last January which made my life increasingly challenging. Even though I've dealt with mental illness in some capacity every single day. Last January I ended up in the Kingston General Hospital for making an attempt on my life. After being in the hospital I was offered to be put in an inpatient psychiatric unit but I've been in these programs before and they were not beneficial for me.

After January and before COVID-19 hit, I was constantly travelling between Kington and Toronto to seek additional support from my family. The constant travelling resulted in missing classes which made it very hard for me to stay on top of course content or evaluations. Even though I was at such a low point I was still determined to finish my first year at Queen's regardless of hardships such as the onset of the pandemic or my personal health. Unfortunately, I was not able to academically perform to my own expectations and goals. My emotional volatility caused by my illness restricted me from completing final evaluations or assignments to the best of my ability. I genuinely wish I could change or control when and I have depressive or psychotic episodes but I'm sure we all know that's not how it works. After completing my first year I was unsure whether I would be able to return to school in September. I decided that it might be good for my mental health to have some sort of purpose again and to be living in a household with friends. Unfortunately, I became extremely overwhelmed as I began my second year and it resulted in another downward spiral.

I am now doing better living in Toronto with my family where I do remote learning for second semester. I am currently taking a reduced course load of only three classes so that I don't get overwhelmed, crash and burn. I also intend on taking courses over the summer so that I can be up to par. In the last month I have received a new diagnosis and additional medication which has so far been beneficial. I have been consulting with my family doctor, psychologist and a psychiatrist in order to develop a plan in which I can healthily cope with my illness while also staying on track for academic success. In the three courses I am currently taking, I have been keeping on track and have already been submitting my assignments, discussions and quizzes on time. Through dropping my past classes I can start over on a clean slate and build foundations for a strong future. I chose Queen's University because I truly want to pursue higher education and make my mark on Queen's legacy of producing alumni who do great things. Regardless of my illness, Queen's is where I want to be. Writing this letter spanned over three weeks and took up countless hours but it has been a form of closure. I have learnt to accept the implications of my past on the present and future. With these experiences, I can only move forward and do my absolute best to get better. Thank you in advance for reading my letter and for understanding my situation.

Sincerely,
Samantha Lacy