Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to you today to ask for your consideration and support, so I may be permitted to resume my academic studies at Queen??s University in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

I was a student in the program beginning in 1997, working towards a BA in English, when I received a letter advising me to withdraw for a period of three years.

At the time of my withdrawal from Queen??s, I was struggling physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually to understand my place in the world. I had gone to Queen??s to spread my wings as a young adult but when I was faced with obstacles and blocks along my journey, I felt ill equipped to manage them, and I didn??t understand at the time why that was the case.

The letter made me feel despair, out-of-control and powerless. Embarrassed, I remained in Kingston for a time before moving home to Bright??s Grove to share the news with my family that I would not graduate in 2001. I felt great shame.

After a period of reflection and adjusting my sails, I was able to take a difficult experience and begin again. I went on to complete my Bachelor of Business Administration at Baker College, graduating Cum Laude with a concentration in Marketing. In the years following, I enjoyed a successful professional career in communications and public affairs, working within the public and private sector in Ontario. However, my greatest achievement has been my role as a mother and mentor to two beautiful children, Caden and MacKenzie.

It has taken me more than 20 years to write this letter, to find the courage to share my story and reach out to Queen??s to begin a conversation about resuming my academic studies.

When I think about my time at Queen??s, I do so with a great deal of grace and compassion for the girl I was then. She did not understand the importance of her voice. She had poor study habits and lacked time management skills. She proudly played varsity women??s soccer, but underestimated the scheduling demands of a student-athlete. Her eating habits and physical health did not set her up for success, and contributed to low energy, irregular sleep and low self-esteem. Transitioning to university life without family or friends located close by contributed to the perception that she was alone, with no supports available to help her. She lacked connection and community, and her emotional and mental health suffered which contributed to her withdrawing from her passion for learning.

Having the benefit of experience and life wisdom, and with greater emotional intelligence, I now understand that I could have influenced a different outcome if I had only used my voice to tell someone I needed help in both school and life. I had a thriving community of support available to me, and I hid from it out of fear.

Our voice is a gift. And, when we speak our truth, it can help and heal. We must not fear being seen or heard.

I would like the opportunity to reestablish an academic plan with Queen??s University. I would like to return to studies to finish my undergraduate degree in English, or another concentration suitable to my skills and interests. Following that I intend to apply to law school to continue my passion for social change, and specifically the intersection between legal education and practice in access to justice and human rights.

My interests include female and youth empowerment, diversity and inclusion, organizational and human behaviour, and social advocacy.

I am currently working on projects that empower women and youth on all fronts, including career development, creative expression and personal well-being. By giving women and youth a platform to speak using their voice, share their stories and show their heart, I aim to lift spirits, positively impact individuals, families and communities, and create meaningful change.

I have a deep social vision to improve the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of Canadians. With a spirit of service, my purpose is to unite people through shared experiences, powerful narratives and universal values.

Grounded by my core values of authenticity, empathy, positivity, and trust, I am a mother, writer, artist, curator, coach, collaborator and advocate.

I use a combination of life and business experience, natural talent and learned skills to live well, learn, evolve and grow on my life path. I??m passionate about serving others and sharing my learnings, teachings and wisdom to inspire, empower and motivate people towards greater personal, creative and professional development. I have a talent for writing to influence and storytelling for impact. I make use of stories to teach and inspire, forge connections and convey history, culture and ideas.

At the heart of my personal and professional practice is caring for and serving people, influencing human connection and building community.