Petition Letter
To whom this may concern,
I am unfortunately writing to appeal for an aegrotat standing for PSYC 202 F16, along with a late withdrawal from PSYC 203 W17. First and foremost, thank you for taking the time in reading my story. During her childhood, my step-sister is, unfortunately, a victim of sexual abuse; this occurred over the span of her childhood and adolescent years. She currently resides in Toronto. What was kept secret from our family, including me, for many years changed in the winter of 2014 when the police were finally contacted. The authorities immediately began their investigation, and I was shaken by the news that her abuser happened to be someone I thought was a close family friend of ours. My sister was eventually diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, required medical attention to treat it, and still suffers from it today. Although she tried her best, she ultimately was not able to testify at the criminal trial that following year. At trial, the man failed to be convicted of his crime. What I had thought to be a bitter end immediately turned for the worst because, after the trial, this man and his own family filed a defamation suit. Against us, they asked for 1.5 million in compensation and demanded my sister publicly admit her words were false; they demanded that my sister says the assault didn't happen, that it was somehow a fabric of her own imagination (despite the diagnosis and evidence). Since then, I have been dealing with a number of unforeseen complications that have required me to leave school at unexpected times. Between the constant commute from Kingston to Toronto, vigorous case preparation, and basic emotional support for my family, my life has somewhat spiraled into chaos. I was regretfully unable to take several of my exams, including PSYC 202. What I thought had been a failure of the court system had instead become a long drawn-out legal battle which, to say the least, took longer than expected and more than I thought required of me. I overestimated my ability and ultimately decided to take online courses to both be a student at Queen's and a supportive brother at home, in Toronto. I was hoping I could keep up with PSYC 203 which, at that time, was my only in-class course left. But mine and my sister's health both declined. She had trouble eating, sleeping, and generally functioning. I was less severe but stressed to the point where my immune system declined, where I developed symptoms of anxiety. By the time I had realized I was unable to continue the course the drop date had long passed. My sister and I have both been seeking professional help. I myself have given myself an easier course load and have done well so far this semester. Currently, I am just trying my best to prepare myself for the rest of my exams this term. I also plan on taking summer school courses to make up time lost over these two semesters. And although this is still an ongoing crisis, I can finally say my sister (most importantly) and I are in a better place, both mentally and physically speaking. We are both eager to move on with our lives and begin the next chapter. I'd like to conclude by emphasizing how thankful I am for the kind understanding of my TA, Ms. Peter (the head TA for PSYC 203), and Professor Holden, all of whom who have shown immense support in light of my situation. Thank you again for your attention, your understanding, and kind discretion.
I am unfortunately writing to appeal for an aegrotat standing for PSYC 202 F16, along with a late withdrawal from PSYC 203 W17. First and foremost, thank you for taking the time in reading my story. During her childhood, my step-sister is, unfortunately, a victim of sexual abuse; this occurred over the span of her childhood and adolescent years. She currently resides in Toronto. What was kept secret from our family, including me, for many years changed in the winter of 2014 when the police were finally contacted. The authorities immediately began their investigation, and I was shaken by the news that her abuser happened to be someone I thought was a close family friend of ours. My sister was eventually diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, required medical attention to treat it, and still suffers from it today. Although she tried her best, she ultimately was not able to testify at the criminal trial that following year. At trial, the man failed to be convicted of his crime. What I had thought to be a bitter end immediately turned for the worst because, after the trial, this man and his own family filed a defamation suit. Against us, they asked for 1.5 million in compensation and demanded my sister publicly admit her words were false; they demanded that my sister says the assault didn't happen, that it was somehow a fabric of her own imagination (despite the diagnosis and evidence). Since then, I have been dealing with a number of unforeseen complications that have required me to leave school at unexpected times. Between the constant commute from Kingston to Toronto, vigorous case preparation, and basic emotional support for my family, my life has somewhat spiraled into chaos. I was regretfully unable to take several of my exams, including PSYC 202. What I thought had been a failure of the court system had instead become a long drawn-out legal battle which, to say the least, took longer than expected and more than I thought required of me. I overestimated my ability and ultimately decided to take online courses to both be a student at Queen's and a supportive brother at home, in Toronto. I was hoping I could keep up with PSYC 203 which, at that time, was my only in-class course left. But mine and my sister's health both declined. She had trouble eating, sleeping, and generally functioning. I was less severe but stressed to the point where my immune system declined, where I developed symptoms of anxiety. By the time I had realized I was unable to continue the course the drop date had long passed. My sister and I have both been seeking professional help. I myself have given myself an easier course load and have done well so far this semester. Currently, I am just trying my best to prepare myself for the rest of my exams this term. I also plan on taking summer school courses to make up time lost over these two semesters. And although this is still an ongoing crisis, I can finally say my sister (most importantly) and I are in a better place, both mentally and physically speaking. We are both eager to move on with our lives and begin the next chapter. I'd like to conclude by emphasizing how thankful I am for the kind understanding of my TA, Ms. Peter (the head TA for PSYC 203), and Professor Holden, all of whom who have shown immense support in light of my situation. Thank you again for your attention, your understanding, and kind discretion.