Petition Letter
During both the 2023 Winter/fall semesters, I endured unforeseen circumstances that affected my overall academic performance. During the winter semester, two close friends of mine unexpectedly passed away. Due to the overwhelming grief and shock of their passing, I needed to take a step back from my academics. Which then, I was granted an IN standing in the FILM 342. Furthermore, I resumed my academics the following Fall semester. For the majority of the semester, I felt strong in my academic standings and assumed that I would finish the term that way, both in finishing my current courses and previous winter term coursework. However, in November of 2023, I became extremely ill with Mononucleosis, causing me to be hospitalized. Due to the ongoing unforeseen circumstances of both semesters, I decided to take a leave of absence during the Winter 2024 semester. During this time, I connected with a therapist through the Queen’s Student Wellness services. Meeting with a therapist regularly provided a sense of stability that became a safe space for me to process the past year's events. Additionally, I have slowly made a full recovery since having Mononucleosis and have been physically cleared. As of now, I plan to return to Queen’s in the Fall 2024 semester, as I feel that I have truly processed and recovered. Granting this appeal would not only help me achieve this fresh start but also allow me to realize that my academic standings are not a reflection of both my mental and physical trauma. Thank you for your consideration.