Petition Letter
Dear Dr. Johanne Bénard,
I am reaching out to the you in hopes of a fresh start as this past year has been one plagued with adversity and obstacles both internal and external whereby I wasn't able to achieve my full potential. I am currently getting the proper support I need to conquer this adversity, and I am hopeful for an opportunity to get a second chance this upcoming September. I am appealing to drop FILM 110, CISC 101, CISC 102, MUSC 102 and GNDS 125 from my transcript, and I want to return to Queen's in September of 2017 as a full-time student.
My course selection wasn't suited to my strengths and as a student. This became evident in early October. I immediately felt that I had lost control and fell far behind not knowing where exactly to turn for help and began to withdraw emotionally as a result. I sought out guidance for my course selection and spoke to a student academic advisor in October who didn't offer me any meaningful help. I decided to stay with my original courses but in hindsight I wish that I had simply taken the initiative and dropped the courses I had trouble with.
My parents were deeply concerned for me as I am typically extroverted by nature and had become withdrawn and less social as I was falling behind. I was sleeping less and had almost lost my appetite. On the recommendation of my Mother I visited doctor's in December, January, and February feeling down and concerned that not only was the academic situation overwhelming, but I began obsessing about my physical health brought on by a previous accident/trauma to the head and hip that I had suffered 2 years prior which was interfering with my self-confidence. I sought and continued to seek medical counselling and have all the supporting documentation regarding the aftermath of the concussion, and of note have visited the Neurology Dept. at Toronto Western this past February while waiting months for an MRI which was on May 4th. All in hopes of shedding light on and uncovering the physical implications so that I can then more forward as I have been working towards building and empowering myself with council and introspection. I am also looking into being tested for a possible learning disability through the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre.
On the recommendation of a family member on faculty at Queen's I was put in touch with Haley Everson, who helped me form a plan of action for this year and the next. I am continuously seeking ongoing Health counseling both physical and emotional with physio, cranial sacral, and accessing the Wellness program at Queen's with Doctor Campbell, as well as been to an appointment from a medical referral with Dr. Basic in Kingston. The objective is to assist me with coping and accepting the aftermath of the accident and to move forward towards success both in my academics at Queen's and with all aspects in my life in general.
The Accident:
As it may be of consequence, in June of 2014 I suffered a head injury as a result of a bike accident with a TTC bus. I lost consciousness and was rushed to hospital where I regained consciousness, where I was diagnosed with a concussion and a hip injury.
I had ongoing appointments to physio, however I suppressed the concussion and its side effects dismissing that there may have been anything wrong or something to worry about. It wasn't until October of 2016 at Queen's when I began to question my ability to focus and stay on task. I became overwhelmed by a sense of sadness and felt I was unable to turn it around. This resulted in my academics falling further and further behind, and me to become depressed. As previously highlighted, I sought out medical and academic counseling throughout the year, and I will continue to do so in the future.
I am reaching out to the you in hopes of a fresh start as this past year has been one plagued with adversity and obstacles both internal and external whereby I wasn't able to achieve my full potential. I am currently getting the proper support I need to conquer this adversity, and I am hopeful for an opportunity to get a second chance this upcoming September. I am appealing to drop FILM 110, CISC 101, CISC 102, MUSC 102 and GNDS 125 from my transcript, and I want to return to Queen's in September of 2017 as a full-time student.
My course selection wasn't suited to my strengths and as a student. This became evident in early October. I immediately felt that I had lost control and fell far behind not knowing where exactly to turn for help and began to withdraw emotionally as a result. I sought out guidance for my course selection and spoke to a student academic advisor in October who didn't offer me any meaningful help. I decided to stay with my original courses but in hindsight I wish that I had simply taken the initiative and dropped the courses I had trouble with.
My parents were deeply concerned for me as I am typically extroverted by nature and had become withdrawn and less social as I was falling behind. I was sleeping less and had almost lost my appetite. On the recommendation of my Mother I visited doctor's in December, January, and February feeling down and concerned that not only was the academic situation overwhelming, but I began obsessing about my physical health brought on by a previous accident/trauma to the head and hip that I had suffered 2 years prior which was interfering with my self-confidence. I sought and continued to seek medical counselling and have all the supporting documentation regarding the aftermath of the concussion, and of note have visited the Neurology Dept. at Toronto Western this past February while waiting months for an MRI which was on May 4th. All in hopes of shedding light on and uncovering the physical implications so that I can then more forward as I have been working towards building and empowering myself with council and introspection. I am also looking into being tested for a possible learning disability through the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre.
On the recommendation of a family member on faculty at Queen's I was put in touch with Haley Everson, who helped me form a plan of action for this year and the next. I am continuously seeking ongoing Health counseling both physical and emotional with physio, cranial sacral, and accessing the Wellness program at Queen's with Doctor Campbell, as well as been to an appointment from a medical referral with Dr. Basic in Kingston. The objective is to assist me with coping and accepting the aftermath of the accident and to move forward towards success both in my academics at Queen's and with all aspects in my life in general.
The Accident:
As it may be of consequence, in June of 2014 I suffered a head injury as a result of a bike accident with a TTC bus. I lost consciousness and was rushed to hospital where I regained consciousness, where I was diagnosed with a concussion and a hip injury.
I had ongoing appointments to physio, however I suppressed the concussion and its side effects dismissing that there may have been anything wrong or something to worry about. It wasn't until October of 2016 at Queen's when I began to question my ability to focus and stay on task. I became overwhelmed by a sense of sadness and felt I was unable to turn it around. This resulted in my academics falling further and further behind, and me to become depressed. As previously highlighted, I sought out medical and academic counseling throughout the year, and I will continue to do so in the future.