Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Depression is something I am familiar with. The past 5 years of my life have been quite possibly the hardest journey I have had to overcome and to this day I find myself still fighting. I have struggled with many mental illnesses in my life including bipolar disorder. With Bipolar disorder I experience symptoms of ADHD, Depression and Anxiety. Which creates times of uncontrollable highs and lows. I usually do not let it define me but with the recent pandemic I found it harder to control. Most bouts of my depression occur in times of intense isolation, and given the global pandemic, my feelings of isolation have never been worse. I found myself panicking as my life after graduation was not going as how I planned, and my life turned upside down. First semester was an uphill battle for me. I decided to take my first semester at home in Victoria, BC. I was working three jobs to make income for myself, I was playing soccer very competitively, as well as 4 courses online. With my time zone being 3 hours behind Eastern time zone, it was going to be quite difficult to meet and communicate throughout my schoolwork. I found myself slipping behind and once again quickly fell off and back into my state of depression. I have been in bad places before but nothing recognizable to this. I was unable to speak to anyone, felt embarrassed to tell my parents and because of the pandemic I could not reach out for the help I very clearly needed. I got to an exceptionally low point; one I no longer am proud I let myself get to. I wanted my life to end, and I tried. I felt as if I would not be able to pull myself out of the deep pit I was in, I felt as if I were gone my problems would disappear. It was traumatizing. After realizing how badly I needed to change I made the decision for myself to come to campus for second semester hoping it would have a positive impact on my life and schooling. Moving to across the country was a big step, a substantial change, and a significant risk. Luckily, it turned out to be the best decision I could have ever made. Second semester really turned my life around. I was getting significantly better grades, participating in class activities. I was getting great marks on my assignment and meeting some of the best people to help me through it all. It changed my outlook on life and it really helped me create the path for the rest of my life. I put so much effort and hours into my schooling while in Kingston which is why I am sad to see this be the outcome of all my hard work and tremendous effort. I was receiving great grades on assignments and feedback which is why I did not consider the option of dropping a class. I have a great support network at school and really want to succeed. That is why I am writing this letter to appeal my academic standing and the universities request for my withdraw. I believe I can achieve so much more in my second year now that I have the help and support from the school and community that I was missing my first semester.