Petition Letter
Over the past four years, I have been struggling with chronic health issues that have significantly impacted my well-being and academic progress. During winter break last year, my health took a severe downturn, and I had to switch all of my medications, which further complicated my condition. When I returned to school in January, I was still very unwell and unsure of how to proceed.
I reached out to Student Wellness Services to see a doctor, as I had done several times in my first year, only to learn that the physician I had previously been assigned to had left the university and that no new doctor had been assigned to me. I made several attempts to book an appointment and was eventually able to see a same-day doctor. Unfortunately, I was prescribed the wrong medication, which led to serotonin disruption syndrome.
At that point, I was extremely unwell, confused, and had fallen significantly behind in my coursework. I tried again to secure ongoing medical care but was placed on a waitlist until the end of April. By then, my condition had worsened to the point that I required emergency care and had to return home. During that time, I was entirely focused on trying to recover and unintentionally neglected my academic responsibilities.
When I got home, my chronic health issues and anxiety disorder reached an all-time high. Over the summer, I focused on recovery and made substantial progress. However, just before the fall semester, I became severely ill again and felt completely lost about how to move forward. I had fully intended to return to Queen’s in the fall, but my health setbacks left me unsure of how to explain my situation or begin the process of returning.
Now, my greatest goal is to return to Queen’s University and continue my education. I understand that, due to my last semester, I was asked to withdraw, but if there is any way to be reinstated, I am eager to do whatever it takes. I am finally at a point where my health is stable, and for the first time in four years, I am truly on the road to recovery. I am confident that, with this renewed stability and determination, I can return as a strong, dedicated student and make the most of the opportunity to continue my studies.
I reached out to Student Wellness Services to see a doctor, as I had done several times in my first year, only to learn that the physician I had previously been assigned to had left the university and that no new doctor had been assigned to me. I made several attempts to book an appointment and was eventually able to see a same-day doctor. Unfortunately, I was prescribed the wrong medication, which led to serotonin disruption syndrome.
At that point, I was extremely unwell, confused, and had fallen significantly behind in my coursework. I tried again to secure ongoing medical care but was placed on a waitlist until the end of April. By then, my condition had worsened to the point that I required emergency care and had to return home. During that time, I was entirely focused on trying to recover and unintentionally neglected my academic responsibilities.
When I got home, my chronic health issues and anxiety disorder reached an all-time high. Over the summer, I focused on recovery and made substantial progress. However, just before the fall semester, I became severely ill again and felt completely lost about how to move forward. I had fully intended to return to Queen’s in the fall, but my health setbacks left me unsure of how to explain my situation or begin the process of returning.
Now, my greatest goal is to return to Queen’s University and continue my education. I understand that, due to my last semester, I was asked to withdraw, but if there is any way to be reinstated, I am eager to do whatever it takes. I am finally at a point where my health is stable, and for the first time in four years, I am truly on the road to recovery. I am confident that, with this renewed stability and determination, I can return as a strong, dedicated student and make the most of the opportunity to continue my studies.