Petition Letter
Dear Dr. Stephenson,
I am writing this letter to appeal to drop ASTR 101 (Fall 2021) as well as PHYS 171 (Fall and Winter 2021/2022). I understand I have passed the date to drop these courses; however, due to extenuating circumstances, I was unable to do so at the time. I would like to thank you in advance for allowing me the opportunity to explain my circumstances.
This year did not go as I had hoped and my academics suffered as a result. I did not take the easiest courses and although it was a factor, if not for my mental health, I believe I would have pulled through.
As for many, the first year at a new school can be overwhelming, especially given the hybrid model of learning due to COVID. Having grown up moving around a lot, I am used to new environments. The most important factor, however, which enabled me to do so, was having my family close by. I developed a strong dependence on my family for support. This year was different. I was completely alone. Upon being declined residency, I moved into a house off-campus with five other girls. I felt very isolated. On top of this, my family had just recently relocated to North Carolina and sold our home in Montreal. It was difficult for me to visit because of COVID restrictions, so I stayed in Kingston for the majority of the year, which took a toll on my wellbeing. I felt overwhelmed and uncomfortable, yet I did not have anywhere else to go. I struggled to get out of bed and motivate myself to get my work done. I fell behind but tried my best to catch up, even hiring a tutor for some courses to help.
Though many of my grades were not up to my standards, there are two in particular that really suffered. At the end of the fall term, I had my ASTR 101 exam which, unlike most courses, I had to receive a passing grade on the exam to pass the course. I passed the other assessments throughout the course, even earning A on many assignments, but because I failed the exam, I failed the course. I was eager to raise my grades and GPA in term 2. However, as the weather got colder, I felt even more isolated. I was not doing as well as I wanted, I struggled to make friends, and the weather made it that much harder. Being trapped in an attic with little natural light, I was not in the best state. I desperately needed a break but had nowhere to go. It felt hopeless.
This leads me to PHYS 117. I had never taken Physics before, but felt up for the challenge. With all the extenuating circumstances, along with learning online for much of the content, it was quite difficult. It was a new concept which required even more focus and, even with this focus and with my tutor, I was not successful in the course.
My whole life, I have been a high achiever, but this year was really hard for me. I worked hard to raise my grades, but knew I needed to ask for help. I met with an academic advisor to talk about my options. I also sought support from a counsellor. My plan for next year is to take different types of courses, looking at syllabi to see courses that have more chances to show my learning. I also have a connection with a counsellor now, and intend on seeking support. I want to look into joining some groups on campus to make friends; this is something that was difficult and, as a social person, I know I need to find my people on campus in order to succeed. Though it was hard, I also shared with my family my struggles and we are both going to put forth more effort to see each other.
I know it is a big ask to drop two of my courses. I believe that there were extenuating circumstances, compounded by the restrictions COVID put in place. I know I can do better, and I really am eager to make Queen??s my home. I am also open to other solutions and supports, should dropping these from my GPA be not possible.
Thanks so much for your consideration. I would be happy to talk more about any of these circumstances should you wish.
Victoria Silva
Student Number: 20280192
E-mail: vtremblaysilva1@gmail.com
I am writing this letter to appeal to drop ASTR 101 (Fall 2021) as well as PHYS 171 (Fall and Winter 2021/2022). I understand I have passed the date to drop these courses; however, due to extenuating circumstances, I was unable to do so at the time. I would like to thank you in advance for allowing me the opportunity to explain my circumstances.
This year did not go as I had hoped and my academics suffered as a result. I did not take the easiest courses and although it was a factor, if not for my mental health, I believe I would have pulled through.
As for many, the first year at a new school can be overwhelming, especially given the hybrid model of learning due to COVID. Having grown up moving around a lot, I am used to new environments. The most important factor, however, which enabled me to do so, was having my family close by. I developed a strong dependence on my family for support. This year was different. I was completely alone. Upon being declined residency, I moved into a house off-campus with five other girls. I felt very isolated. On top of this, my family had just recently relocated to North Carolina and sold our home in Montreal. It was difficult for me to visit because of COVID restrictions, so I stayed in Kingston for the majority of the year, which took a toll on my wellbeing. I felt overwhelmed and uncomfortable, yet I did not have anywhere else to go. I struggled to get out of bed and motivate myself to get my work done. I fell behind but tried my best to catch up, even hiring a tutor for some courses to help.
Though many of my grades were not up to my standards, there are two in particular that really suffered. At the end of the fall term, I had my ASTR 101 exam which, unlike most courses, I had to receive a passing grade on the exam to pass the course. I passed the other assessments throughout the course, even earning A on many assignments, but because I failed the exam, I failed the course. I was eager to raise my grades and GPA in term 2. However, as the weather got colder, I felt even more isolated. I was not doing as well as I wanted, I struggled to make friends, and the weather made it that much harder. Being trapped in an attic with little natural light, I was not in the best state. I desperately needed a break but had nowhere to go. It felt hopeless.
This leads me to PHYS 117. I had never taken Physics before, but felt up for the challenge. With all the extenuating circumstances, along with learning online for much of the content, it was quite difficult. It was a new concept which required even more focus and, even with this focus and with my tutor, I was not successful in the course.
My whole life, I have been a high achiever, but this year was really hard for me. I worked hard to raise my grades, but knew I needed to ask for help. I met with an academic advisor to talk about my options. I also sought support from a counsellor. My plan for next year is to take different types of courses, looking at syllabi to see courses that have more chances to show my learning. I also have a connection with a counsellor now, and intend on seeking support. I want to look into joining some groups on campus to make friends; this is something that was difficult and, as a social person, I know I need to find my people on campus in order to succeed. Though it was hard, I also shared with my family my struggles and we are both going to put forth more effort to see each other.
I know it is a big ask to drop two of my courses. I believe that there were extenuating circumstances, compounded by the restrictions COVID put in place. I know I can do better, and I really am eager to make Queen??s my home. I am also open to other solutions and supports, should dropping these from my GPA be not possible.
Thanks so much for your consideration. I would be happy to talk more about any of these circumstances should you wish.
Victoria Silva
Student Number: 20280192
E-mail: vtremblaysilva1@gmail.com