Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Letter of Appeal

Zoe Trebell
20118466


Hello, my name is Zoe Trebell and I am appealing to the Arts and Science Faculty of Queen¿¿s University to remove Social History of Popular Music (MUSC 171) and Media and Design Thinking (ENIN 140) from my university transcript.

My extenuating circumstances began at the beginning of the COVID ¿¿ 19 lockdowns. I was already struggling with the anniversary of my mother¿¿s death and around that time I had fallen out with a group of my close childhood friends. I have battled with various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and an ongoing eating disorder throughout high school and university. My feelings of loss and loneliness around this time were heightened due to the isolation of the COVID ¿¿ 19 lockdowns, worsening many of my mental health issues. I felt extremely overwhelmed and did not know how to handle the various feelings I was having. I began to cope through self-medication. Throughout the summer I continued to isolate myself from everyone around me. Given I was not working due to COVID I, therefore, was spending more and more time alone and my mental health continued to deteriorate. I made the decision to sign up for summer courses with the intention of furthering my studies at Queens as well as providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment in my life at the time. Although I believed I could handle this workload my inner turmoil continued to worsen. Instead, the courses I took became so overwhelming I was unable to focus or handle the tasks assigned. During the summer I was consistently seeing my therapist, Dr. Jean Skiba-day. Unfortunately, her help wasn¿¿t enough to work through the ever-growing issues I was facing. By the end of summer, I felt unable to function or accomplish the most basic tasks. I rarely went outside, and at this point my anxiety and depression were crippling. I was so overwhelmed that by the time I realized I was unable to complete the courses I signed up for I had missed the drop date. Although my intentions were to go back to school, I ultimately decided against returning for my 3rd year at Queens to focus on my mental and physical health. On September 16th I checked myself into a 30-day program at a rehab facility called Addictions Rehab Toronto. This stay gave me the opportunity to focus on myself and work through many issues I had been suppressing for years with a clear head. Since being back from A.R.T I started working for indigo as part of their sales team as well as an inventory executive at a company called BeGru. Working two jobs has allowed me to create a healthy routine for myself and given me a positive coping outlet. Throughout my time at home and work, I have developed a feeling of accomplishment and purpose that was lacking for a very long time. This has in turn aided my depression and lessened my anxiety through personal interactions. Having a structured day has created normalcy and allowed me to start and finish tasks at hand.

I am aware it has taken me an extended period of time to submit this appeal. My reasons for doing so are related to my ongoing recovery. Although I have begun my recovery work, there have still been challenges I have faced since being home. Working has provided a healthy outlet to aid some of my mental health issues, but I have still struggled specifically around birthdays and holidays. I have experienced low points during these times that have resulted in concurrent depressive periods. For that reason, I wasn¿¿t unable to submit my appeal until after the holidays.

Best Regards,


Zoe Trebell
20118466

Academic Plan
20118466

After my summer courses ended, I have taken a number of steps to better myself with the intention of returning to Queens University for fall 2021. After admitting myself to a 30 ¿¿ day inpatient rehab program I have been able to address and overcome many issues that have plagued me academically and mentally for a number of years. Using the routine and tools I obtained through individual and group therapy at Addiction rehab Toronto, I have felt confident enough to maintain two jobs over the past several months. Additionally, I have started a new medication that has aided in balancing my mental health.

Approaching problems or tasks with a clear mind has reduced my anxiety and stress and allowed me to concentrate on one thing at a time. For the fall semester of 2021, I plan on returning to school in a new home close to campus. Rather than living with possible distractions, I decided it was best to live independently in order to achieve my goals and ensure a successful future at Queens University.

Best Regards,


Zoe Trebell
20118466