Petition Letter
March 19th, 2019
Dear Associate Dean (Studies),
I am appealing to the Faculty to drop EMPR 250 and MUTH 111 from 2018 Winter semester, as well as ANSH 101, ENIN 200, and ENIN 301 for the 2018 Fall semester.
During reading week of February 2018, I was traumatized with a series of three events: the death of a family member, my housemate's suicide, and my long-term partner who was my only form of permanent support, broke up with me in a surprise on my way to the airport as I was leaving during my visit. As a result, I was thrown into a deep period of depression and began neglecting my appointments with physicians, counselors, and therapy. My cousin who passed in Antigua, Jamall Cornelius, is my cousin through a second family and unfortunately, there is no obituary. Daniel Megan's suicide was a shock that was more difficult to process since we share the diagnosis and struggles of Borderline Personality Disorder.
Between August 22nd to October 31st, 2018, I was homeless in Kingston as the fall school term began. Throughout this time period, I did my best to find a home I could afford. Complications included a landlord who accepted my deposit for a location in October, only to return it to me when his current tenant requested more time. I primarily support myself financially as I was forced to move away from my past abuser, my father, which has current repercussions on my familial relationships. This also gives an explanation as to why the termination of my stable relationship was so detrimental to me as I do not have the regular support of my family. During this time, there was an abnormally increased pressure from my family to return that rapidly retriggered my PTSD symptoms.
During my homelessness, I missed multiple appointments with my doctor and counselor, who have been treating me for Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, OCD, and sleep issues. For example, I am heavily nearsighted and rely on glasses that broke in the early fall without a replacement. I now realize that I was neglecting both my physical and mental health. I ask for consideration in this matter as I recognize now that I was in no place to juggle a full course load without a home or base for stability. I was able to channel my efforts into completing one of the courses, but unfortunately, the lack of a home was so destabilizing to my mental health that at the time, I overestimated my abilities and missed my opportunity to drop the courses.
I have now settled into a suitable permanent location and have made numerous plans to seek the professional help that I need, including; my regular physician, counselor, academic advisor, chiropractor, a dentist, and an optometrist. I began writing this letter and these plans many months ago. I am confident in submitting this appeal because I have made great strides in addressing and implementing the changes/goals I've set. Some examples include a steadily increasing level of basic self-care, exercise, and attendance.
I will continue to regularly visit the Ban Right Center and check in with the counselor, Lisa. The BRC space has been a huge academic support to me over the last two years. I have also officially registered my disability with OSAP and have received financial aid. I have dropped two courses as well to lower my course load to a manageable two. My next steps are to increase the communication between my professors to use my accommodations.
I understand that I am asking for a lot, however any consideration would be greatly appreciated for my circumstances. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Michelle Chu
1-318A King St. E
K7L 3B4
Kingston, ON
Michelle.chu@queensu.ca
Student ID: 10094738
Dear Associate Dean (Studies),
I am appealing to the Faculty to drop EMPR 250 and MUTH 111 from 2018 Winter semester, as well as ANSH 101, ENIN 200, and ENIN 301 for the 2018 Fall semester.
During reading week of February 2018, I was traumatized with a series of three events: the death of a family member, my housemate's suicide, and my long-term partner who was my only form of permanent support, broke up with me in a surprise on my way to the airport as I was leaving during my visit. As a result, I was thrown into a deep period of depression and began neglecting my appointments with physicians, counselors, and therapy. My cousin who passed in Antigua, Jamall Cornelius, is my cousin through a second family and unfortunately, there is no obituary. Daniel Megan's suicide was a shock that was more difficult to process since we share the diagnosis and struggles of Borderline Personality Disorder.
Between August 22nd to October 31st, 2018, I was homeless in Kingston as the fall school term began. Throughout this time period, I did my best to find a home I could afford. Complications included a landlord who accepted my deposit for a location in October, only to return it to me when his current tenant requested more time. I primarily support myself financially as I was forced to move away from my past abuser, my father, which has current repercussions on my familial relationships. This also gives an explanation as to why the termination of my stable relationship was so detrimental to me as I do not have the regular support of my family. During this time, there was an abnormally increased pressure from my family to return that rapidly retriggered my PTSD symptoms.
During my homelessness, I missed multiple appointments with my doctor and counselor, who have been treating me for Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, OCD, and sleep issues. For example, I am heavily nearsighted and rely on glasses that broke in the early fall without a replacement. I now realize that I was neglecting both my physical and mental health. I ask for consideration in this matter as I recognize now that I was in no place to juggle a full course load without a home or base for stability. I was able to channel my efforts into completing one of the courses, but unfortunately, the lack of a home was so destabilizing to my mental health that at the time, I overestimated my abilities and missed my opportunity to drop the courses.
I have now settled into a suitable permanent location and have made numerous plans to seek the professional help that I need, including; my regular physician, counselor, academic advisor, chiropractor, a dentist, and an optometrist. I began writing this letter and these plans many months ago. I am confident in submitting this appeal because I have made great strides in addressing and implementing the changes/goals I've set. Some examples include a steadily increasing level of basic self-care, exercise, and attendance.
I will continue to regularly visit the Ban Right Center and check in with the counselor, Lisa. The BRC space has been a huge academic support to me over the last two years. I have also officially registered my disability with OSAP and have received financial aid. I have dropped two courses as well to lower my course load to a manageable two. My next steps are to increase the communication between my professors to use my accommodations.
I understand that I am asking for a lot, however any consideration would be greatly appreciated for my circumstances. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Michelle Chu
1-318A King St. E
K7L 3B4
Kingston, ON
Michelle.chu@queensu.ca
Student ID: 10094738