Petition Letter
I, Paul Joseph Girard, am appealing the decision that I must withdraw for a minimum of one (1) year.
During my first year of studies here at Queen's, I was lacking a healthy mental state, that is, I was dealing with depression. Due to various, unfortunate circumstances, my Father lost his job late 2013. As a result, due to a history of dealing with depression, as well as the stress of worrying about my family's financial status, put me in a position in which, I feel, rendered me unable to focus on my studies.
Although I was able to start the year with little problem, as time grew I became increasingly shut-in, and unable to keep up with my studies. Although I did attend a counseling session, and did recover for a brief period, this ultimately did not come in time for my December exams. In January, upon receiving my marks, I had realized I must take action, but despite my attempts (I had signed up for Bounce Back, and made a effort to at least become involved socially), it bore no real results. My marks continued to be sub-standard, and, apart from my assignments (this is barring tests, of course), my grades continued to reflect poorly on my academic abilities.
It was not come late-March until I improved considerably, when my Grandmother assured me that my family's situation would not deteriorate further; that they would remain taken care of. Being the person that I am, I feel that much of my stress or worry could easily be attributed to the idea I could not send them any help, being a university student with no disposable income. Once my Grandmother had consoled me, and promised such, I was able to re-focus. However, it was too late, considering I was to write my final exams in the next month. Despite my best effort, I was unable to pass PHYS 111, or JAPN 100. If I were to be honest with you, I did not expect to pass JAPN 100, as the class time I had missed due to being ill was a real detriment. I did, however, expect to pass PHYS 111, as I felt I did well, generally, on the labs and exam. This was clearly not the case, though.
In summation, I believe that due to my mental struggle with depression over much of the school year, and despite my best efforts to rectify my situation (through counseling, much consulting with my parents and family doctor, and self-reflection), I did not succeed, and thus experienced a poor academic year.
I ask that the requirement to return after one (1) year is waived, and/or the marks for PHYS 111 and JAPN 100 be dropped from my transcript, while my other marks are kept.
During my first year of studies here at Queen's, I was lacking a healthy mental state, that is, I was dealing with depression. Due to various, unfortunate circumstances, my Father lost his job late 2013. As a result, due to a history of dealing with depression, as well as the stress of worrying about my family's financial status, put me in a position in which, I feel, rendered me unable to focus on my studies.
Although I was able to start the year with little problem, as time grew I became increasingly shut-in, and unable to keep up with my studies. Although I did attend a counseling session, and did recover for a brief period, this ultimately did not come in time for my December exams. In January, upon receiving my marks, I had realized I must take action, but despite my attempts (I had signed up for Bounce Back, and made a effort to at least become involved socially), it bore no real results. My marks continued to be sub-standard, and, apart from my assignments (this is barring tests, of course), my grades continued to reflect poorly on my academic abilities.
It was not come late-March until I improved considerably, when my Grandmother assured me that my family's situation would not deteriorate further; that they would remain taken care of. Being the person that I am, I feel that much of my stress or worry could easily be attributed to the idea I could not send them any help, being a university student with no disposable income. Once my Grandmother had consoled me, and promised such, I was able to re-focus. However, it was too late, considering I was to write my final exams in the next month. Despite my best effort, I was unable to pass PHYS 111, or JAPN 100. If I were to be honest with you, I did not expect to pass JAPN 100, as the class time I had missed due to being ill was a real detriment. I did, however, expect to pass PHYS 111, as I felt I did well, generally, on the labs and exam. This was clearly not the case, though.
In summation, I believe that due to my mental struggle with depression over much of the school year, and despite my best efforts to rectify my situation (through counseling, much consulting with my parents and family doctor, and self-reflection), I did not succeed, and thus experienced a poor academic year.
I ask that the requirement to return after one (1) year is waived, and/or the marks for PHYS 111 and JAPN 100 be dropped from my transcript, while my other marks are kept.