Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 7828
Submitted: June 10, 2021 at 1:32:36 AM
First Name: zahra
Last Name: matcheswalla
Student Number: 20213263
Email: zeeadilm@gmail.com
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: HIST
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing this letter to appeal to Queens University¿¿s decision to withdraw me for one year from the Faculty of Arts and Science due to my low GPA. While my mental health and excruciating unforeseen circumstances have hindered my ability to perform exceptionally this past year, I am now taking active steps to overcome these obstacles and am confident in my ability to continue my studies for the year 2021-2022.
I suffered from anxiety and depression for many years before I began studying at Queens, but due to the lack of mental health awareness and support in my culture, I did not attain any support until I came to Canada for university. My mental health problems were heightened by having to move away from my friends, family, and familiar surroundings in the fall of 2021, and I found settling into my residency more challenging than I had anticipated. Being surrounded by people and loud noises at all times of the day induced insomnia and several panic attacks, as a result of which I found myself mentally and physically exhausted for much of my first semester. I attempted to take my life in September of 2020 and began therapy shortly after on October 22nd, 2020. During this time the health of my aunt and maternal grandmother, two of the closest people in my life, declined significantly and prompted my return to Karachi from December 14th, 2020, till February 3rd, 2021. The first portion of my 2021 spring semester (beginning January 11th) overlapped with my time in Karachi and juggling my academics alongside my family¿¿s stresses resulted in a further hindrance to my academic performance. Shortly after I returned to Canada, my aunt passed away on March 17th, 2021, followed by my maternal grandmother¿¿s passing on April 30th, 2021. This was my first time experiencing such great loss, and having to process and grieve away from my family proved extremely challenging. All of the above-mentioned circumstances led to a sharp decline in my health over the past year, making it extremely difficult for me to consistently apply myself to my studies.
I am writing this letter to appeal to Queens University¿¿s decision to withdraw me for one year from the Faculty of Arts and Science due to my low GPA. While my mental health and excruciating unforeseen circumstances have hindered my ability to perform exceptionally this past year, I am now taking active steps to overcome these obstacles and am confident in my ability to continue my studies for the year 2021-2022.
I suffered from anxiety and depression for many years before I began studying at Queens, but due to the lack of mental health awareness and support in my culture, I did not attain any support until I came to Canada for university. My mental health problems were heightened by having to move away from my friends, family, and familiar surroundings in the fall of 2021, and I found settling into my residency more challenging than I had anticipated. Being surrounded by people and loud noises at all times of the day induced insomnia and several panic attacks, as a result of which I found myself mentally and physically exhausted for much of my first semester. I attempted to take my life in September of 2020 and began therapy shortly after on October 22nd, 2020. During this time the health of my aunt and maternal grandmother, two of the closest people in my life, declined significantly and prompted my return to Karachi from December 14th, 2020, till February 3rd, 2021. The first portion of my 2021 spring semester (beginning January 11th) overlapped with my time in Karachi and juggling my academics alongside my family¿¿s stresses resulted in a further hindrance to my academic performance. Shortly after I returned to Canada, my aunt passed away on March 17th, 2021, followed by my maternal grandmother¿¿s passing on April 30th, 2021. This was my first time experiencing such great loss, and having to process and grieve away from my family proved extremely challenging. All of the above-mentioned circumstances led to a sharp decline in my health over the past year, making it extremely difficult for me to consistently apply myself to my studies.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Despite my poor academic performance this past year, I can assure you that I am committed to bettering my study habits and improving my academic performance. I have already made progress in regards to my mental wellbeing over the past few months, and am on a continuous journey upwards. I have been attending regular therapy sessions since last October and have been prescribed antidepressants. The combination of these two has aided me in pulling myself out of a mental rut and has helped me become more attuned with my emotions and support needs. Therapy has also given me the confidence to advocate for myself and reach out when I need help. I plan to actively seek academic assistance from my professors and peers, put in requests for academic consideration, and meet regularly with my academic advisor to help me clarify my future study aims. My first year in Queens has also enabled me to fully understand my academic abilities and limits. I have made the decision to reduce my course load to 3-4 courses and to delay my plans of finding a job so I am able to fully apply myself to my studies. I also intend to switch my major from Geography to History and am sure that I will perform better in the latter as not only have I developed a firm interest in the subject over the past year, but also I enjoy and excel in writing-intensive courses. Furthermore, I have moved out of my residency this year and will be living in an independent apartment from this year onwards. This will assuredly be a better work environment for me ¿¿ I am already finding myself more productive as my surroundings are quieter and I have been able to establish a regular sleep routine. Above all, I am aware that education is a long-term commitment, and even though due to a reduced course load it may take me longer to graduate, I am prepared to invest as much time as needed to complete my degree.
In conclusion, please be assured that my low GPA and academic record for the past year is not a reflection of my academic capabilities, nor is it proof that I am a poor student. This past year presented several unforeseen challenges, all of which I am actively making efforts to overcome. I am very grateful that I am being given the opportunity to appeal my withdrawal and can make a promise that should I be granted permission to continue studying at the Faculty of Arts and Science, I will meet the academic expectations of this university. Thank you for considering my appeal, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards
Zahra Adil Matcheswalla
In conclusion, please be assured that my low GPA and academic record for the past year is not a reflection of my academic capabilities, nor is it proof that I am a poor student. This past year presented several unforeseen challenges, all of which I am actively making efforts to overcome. I am very grateful that I am being given the opportunity to appeal my withdrawal and can make a promise that should I be granted permission to continue studying at the Faculty of Arts and Science, I will meet the academic expectations of this university. Thank you for considering my appeal, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards
Zahra Adil Matcheswalla
Documentation
Professional Letter: Therapist note October 2020.pdf
Professional Letter Detail: First Therapist note ,October 22nd, 2020
Documentation Detail: Ticket going to Pakistan
Documentation Detail: Returning to Canada
Decision Letters
History
Originally submitted June 10, 2021 at 1:32:36 AM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | Incomplete | Kerri Andrews | 2021-06-10 9:32:33 AM | |
| status | N/A | Incomplete | In Review | Kerri Andrews | 2021-06-28 1:49:57 PM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Granted | Kerri Andrews | 2021-06-28 1:50:14 PM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. | Kerri Andrews | 2021-06-28 1:50:14 PM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Kerri Andrews | 2021-06-28 1:50:56 PM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. | Jill Atkinson, Ph.D. | Kerri Andrews | 2021-08-06 4:06:36 PM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Jill Atkinson, Ph.D. | Jenn Stephenson, Ph.D. | Kerri Andrews | 2021-08-06 4:06:42 PM |