Petition Letter
To the Associate Dean of Studies,
I am appealing to waive the 21-day appeal deadline for the Fall term of 2013.
I am appealing because I have been experiencing psychological challenges that are beyond my control. I was formally diagnosed with depression in 2011, and continue to be affected by it. I began seeing a psychologist in Kingston by the name of Dr. Catherine Leblanc during second semester of first year, and have been seeing her consistently since in an attempt to prevent my illness from impairing my ability to function. My symptoms include a low mood, constant fatigue, disordered sleep, low motivation, and problems concentrating. My illness has had a negative impact on my studies because it makes it extremely difficult to focus on any readings and assignments that need to be done, and also interferes with my ability to study for tests, midterms and final exams. My disordered sleep made attending and being alert in classes difficult as well. As a result, during the fall term I had to choose which classes to focus my attention on because I could not keep up with all of them at once. In an attempt to catch up, I got my ANAT 315 final and lab exams deferred until after the Christmas break. Although this relieved some of the pressure, the extra time was not necessarily helpful because I was still unable to concentrate and absorb any information that I tried to study. I felt too depressed and overwhelmed to write the ANAT 315 final and lab exams, and therefore failed the course. This was extremely discouraging, and at the same time I was working on my full year course in an attempt to catch up before an upcoming tonsillectomy. I was at home on heavy painkillers for two weeks following my surgery, and was not able to think about or work on an appeal. It also took some time for me to accept the idea that I needed (and should accept) help regarding my academics because I still struggle to accept my illness. This is largely why I did not get my appeal in by the 21-day deadline.
I have been taking anti-depressant medication and continue to go to psychotherapy sessions. During the 2014-2015 academic year, I plan on continuing these treatments. I also plan on taking 3 courses a term and a fifth year so that my academics are more manageable. I will continue to be proactive and ask for help when I need it. I am committed to improving my well-being and I hope that this will ensure that I have a better academic year in 2014-2015.
Sincerely,
Allison Hammond
I am appealing to waive the 21-day appeal deadline for the Fall term of 2013.
I am appealing because I have been experiencing psychological challenges that are beyond my control. I was formally diagnosed with depression in 2011, and continue to be affected by it. I began seeing a psychologist in Kingston by the name of Dr. Catherine Leblanc during second semester of first year, and have been seeing her consistently since in an attempt to prevent my illness from impairing my ability to function. My symptoms include a low mood, constant fatigue, disordered sleep, low motivation, and problems concentrating. My illness has had a negative impact on my studies because it makes it extremely difficult to focus on any readings and assignments that need to be done, and also interferes with my ability to study for tests, midterms and final exams. My disordered sleep made attending and being alert in classes difficult as well. As a result, during the fall term I had to choose which classes to focus my attention on because I could not keep up with all of them at once. In an attempt to catch up, I got my ANAT 315 final and lab exams deferred until after the Christmas break. Although this relieved some of the pressure, the extra time was not necessarily helpful because I was still unable to concentrate and absorb any information that I tried to study. I felt too depressed and overwhelmed to write the ANAT 315 final and lab exams, and therefore failed the course. This was extremely discouraging, and at the same time I was working on my full year course in an attempt to catch up before an upcoming tonsillectomy. I was at home on heavy painkillers for two weeks following my surgery, and was not able to think about or work on an appeal. It also took some time for me to accept the idea that I needed (and should accept) help regarding my academics because I still struggle to accept my illness. This is largely why I did not get my appeal in by the 21-day deadline.
I have been taking anti-depressant medication and continue to go to psychotherapy sessions. During the 2014-2015 academic year, I plan on continuing these treatments. I also plan on taking 3 courses a term and a fifth year so that my academics are more manageable. I will continue to be proactive and ask for help when I need it. I am committed to improving my well-being and I hope that this will ensure that I have a better academic year in 2014-2015.
Sincerely,
Allison Hammond