Academic Plan
I have spent a significant amount of time these past few months reflecting on the things that went well, the things that went poorly, and how I can use my strengths to overcome my weaknesses. I know it was not just my depression that caused me to fail this past year. It was an amalgamation of depressive symptoms, the physical effects it had on my body, and poor academic planning working coherently. As of the time I am writing this letter, I am enrolled in a program from BounceBack Ontario, an online initiative helping those experiencing depression to get back on their feet and into mental wellness. I am hoping the therapy sessions I will partake in will help me feel less isolated. In addition, I am going to be seen by a psychiatrist in a couple weeks (from Markham Stouffville Hospital) to assist me in improving my mental health. I have also opened up to my friends and family about the issues I have been facing recently, and they have agreed to take supportive action and help me on my way to recovery. With the time I have spent reflecting on how I can work on improving, I have noticed that I could also fix my study habits through prioritizing the tasks I need to do. I have spent time looking through the Queens Student Academic Success Services documents on prioritization and time management, and will be making a consistent attempt to plan my work through the use of weekly and monthly calendars. I also plan on taking a smaller course load, as to not stress myself out, and work within my limits. Outside of academics, I realized that community through extracurriculars is important to my well-being. It would help me make connections and enable me to feel less isolated. I have looked into clubs I can join at Queens and youth groups outside of school, and am hoping to join them this upcoming year.