Petition Letter
August 28, 2023
Madison Paige Williams (Student Number 20239378)
229 Austinpaul Drive
Newmarket, Ontario, L3X 2C5
Associate Dean (Academic)
Queen’s University
Student Services, Firth Floor Dunning Hall
99 University Ave
Kingston, ON K7L 3N6
Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson (Associate Dean, Academic):
My name is Madison Paige Williams student number 20239378, a current undergraduate student in the Faculty of Arts and Science. I am writing to appeal the decision of withdrawing from my program for 1 year, as the past few years of undergraduate studies were significantly affected by extenuating circumstances beyond my control.
In July 2019 my mom, Dropatty Williams was diagnosed with gastric cancer. In the span of 3 months, the gastric cancer rapidly deteriorated my mom’s health, causing immediate hospitalization. I provided care for my mom and my immediate family during this time. On September 26, 2019, my mom died from gastric cancer. For documentation of my mom’s passing, please visit https://lotusfuneralandcremation.com/tribute/details/724/Dropatthy-Williams/condolences.html#content-start
During my first year, my mental health rapidly declined, which had escalated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With minimal interactions, grieving the loss of my mom, and having to be a primary caregiver for my immediate family – such as meal preparations, grocery shopping, emotional support for my younger sister and dad, my academic work suffered immensely. I was not aware of how to navigate supports provided by Queen’s University and did not know how to begin these conversations.
I was re-enrolled in full-time undergraduate studies in September 2022, and although I was not completely successful with my courses, I felt an improvement in my study habits compared to previous years, which I am committed to working on this upcoming school year. I am currently re-engaged and ready to work on addressing my symptoms of depression and anxiety to better face my problems head on with my new psychotherapist. My relationship with my previous psychotherapist was inconsistent, leaving me feeling as though I was suffering alone. I have begun working with a new psychotherapist and have built a plan together. For further information on my mental health care feel free to connect with my psychotherapist, her name and contact information is: Radhika Chellaiah, email: radika@newmarkettherapy.com
Madison Paige Williams (Student Number 20239378)
229 Austinpaul Drive
Newmarket, Ontario, L3X 2C5
Associate Dean (Academic)
Queen’s University
Student Services, Firth Floor Dunning Hall
99 University Ave
Kingston, ON K7L 3N6
Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson (Associate Dean, Academic):
My name is Madison Paige Williams student number 20239378, a current undergraduate student in the Faculty of Arts and Science. I am writing to appeal the decision of withdrawing from my program for 1 year, as the past few years of undergraduate studies were significantly affected by extenuating circumstances beyond my control.
In July 2019 my mom, Dropatty Williams was diagnosed with gastric cancer. In the span of 3 months, the gastric cancer rapidly deteriorated my mom’s health, causing immediate hospitalization. I provided care for my mom and my immediate family during this time. On September 26, 2019, my mom died from gastric cancer. For documentation of my mom’s passing, please visit https://lotusfuneralandcremation.com/tribute/details/724/Dropatthy-Williams/condolences.html#content-start
During my first year, my mental health rapidly declined, which had escalated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With minimal interactions, grieving the loss of my mom, and having to be a primary caregiver for my immediate family – such as meal preparations, grocery shopping, emotional support for my younger sister and dad, my academic work suffered immensely. I was not aware of how to navigate supports provided by Queen’s University and did not know how to begin these conversations.
I was re-enrolled in full-time undergraduate studies in September 2022, and although I was not completely successful with my courses, I felt an improvement in my study habits compared to previous years, which I am committed to working on this upcoming school year. I am currently re-engaged and ready to work on addressing my symptoms of depression and anxiety to better face my problems head on with my new psychotherapist. My relationship with my previous psychotherapist was inconsistent, leaving me feeling as though I was suffering alone. I have begun working with a new psychotherapist and have built a plan together. For further information on my mental health care feel free to connect with my psychotherapist, her name and contact information is: Radhika Chellaiah, email: radika@newmarkettherapy.com