Petition Letter
Adam Frazer
Student ID: 202835
20amnf@queensu.ca
905-926-1166
23 Markwood Cres.,
Whitby, ON, L1R 2S4
Office of the Associate Dean (Academic)
Faculty of Arts and Science
First Floor, Dunning Hall, Queen??s University
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 3N6
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to request an appeal for the requirement to withdraw from the Faculty of Arts
and Science for one year.
Over the course of my first year, I experienced extenuating circumstances due to mental health and physical issues that impacted my ability to successfully complete course requirements. Since the start of the school year in September 2021, I struggled with anxiety which increased in severity over the course of the year and resulted in frequent panic attacks that would require days of recovery. I struggled to make connections with new peers and felt very isolated and alone. These negative feelings were further heightened through new physical illnesses that also developed (i.e., urological issues, hypothyroidism, stomach issues, covid-19), leaving me feeling exhausted, nauseous, weak, struggling to eat and generally lacking in confidence and resiliency.
However, throughout all of this, I was actively trying to get help. I was seeking assistance through multiple channels such as: my family doctor, Queen??s Student Wellness Services, virtual care and walk-in clinics, online mental health tools, crisis support lines and specialist referral. Trying to navigate this help during a pandemic was not timely or easy, and not always successful resulting in significant delays for care, appointments not upheld by the medical professional, and long waits for mental health care and specialist appointments. At the same time, I was trying hard to attend classes, access peer support, complete assignments and build good study habits. I was regularly at the library and also trying to build in healthy activities such as regular attendance at the gym, walking etc. but was struggling with energy level and focus. I also worked with Student Housing to arrange for a move in residences in the winter term to strengthen my peer support network which was a helpful step. While I was able to make some progress to deal with my challenges, I just couldn??t seem to be able to get everything lined up in the way it needed to be, to have the ultimate success I know that I am capable of achieving.
A general timeline of events that highlights the length and significance of these circumstances is attached. Where available, supporting documentation has been provided.
Since the completion of the winter term in April 2022, I have continued to make good progress in my mental health and physical recovery. I am working with my family care provider to develop a new care plan to deal with my physical issues (e.g., vitamin deficiencies, hypothyroidism, stomach issues) and have finally been able to see a specialist for my urological issues. This progress has not only helped me to feel better physically (e.g., I am able to eat again without nausea and vomiting; I have more energy and motivation; etc.) but it has also reduced the related anxiety and worry I had about my physical health. From a mental health perspective, I have started to work with a psychotherapist to better understand my anxiety and to develop the resiliency and tools to deal with it moving forward. Ongoing sessions have already been scheduled throughout the summer, and I will be able to continue working with the therapist once the school year begins through virtual appointments. I also have a good living situation for the upcoming year, having secured an apartment on campus with a few close friends who are strong students, who are aware of my prior struggles and have extended their continued peer support.
From an academic perspective, I have reached out to the Faculty??s Academic Advisory services and hope to continue working with them for career planning, academic counselling as well as review and refinement of my proposed academic plan (attached) which includes four key components of planning; tracking; monitoring and ongoing evaluation. I feel confident that this plan, in conjunction with the foundational physical and mental health supports I have put into place, will enable me to have future academic success. Additionally, with the guidance of the Academic Advisory team, I am prepared to adjust my course load if suggested, and to put any other forthcoming suggested accommodations into place. Having also connected with QSAS and subsequently been redirected back to Academic Advisory services, I would also like to discuss the process to review the results of a previously completed psychological assessment report and/or my anxiety diagnosis to determine if additional academic accommodations should be considered.
In conclusion, I do want to share that I was extremely disappointed with my overall experience as well as my academic performance in my first year. I had such high hopes and was so excited to begin my journey at Queen??s, following in the family tradition of my mom, uncles, aunts and cousin. I was prepared to work hard and was looking forward to this next phase of life, never expecting to end up going through all that happened. However, now that I am coming through to the other side and have made active progress, I feel good about the steps I have taken and have confidence in the supports I have been able to put into place. Experiencing what I did was not easy, but I know that I am now stronger and have the tenacity and tools to be able to keep my physical, mental and academic life on track.
I know that I can be a successful student and active contributor to the Queen??s community. I respectfully request your consideration to waive this recommendation to withdraw for one year. I am determined to work hard, and to make myself, my family and the Faculty of Arts and Science proud. I know I have what it takes to move forward, and I sincerely thank you for this consideration.
Sincerely,
Adam Frazer
Student ID: 202835
20amnf@queensu.ca
905-926-1166
23 Markwood Cres.,
Whitby, ON, L1R 2S4
Office of the Associate Dean (Academic)
Faculty of Arts and Science
First Floor, Dunning Hall, Queen??s University
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 3N6
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to request an appeal for the requirement to withdraw from the Faculty of Arts
and Science for one year.
Over the course of my first year, I experienced extenuating circumstances due to mental health and physical issues that impacted my ability to successfully complete course requirements. Since the start of the school year in September 2021, I struggled with anxiety which increased in severity over the course of the year and resulted in frequent panic attacks that would require days of recovery. I struggled to make connections with new peers and felt very isolated and alone. These negative feelings were further heightened through new physical illnesses that also developed (i.e., urological issues, hypothyroidism, stomach issues, covid-19), leaving me feeling exhausted, nauseous, weak, struggling to eat and generally lacking in confidence and resiliency.
However, throughout all of this, I was actively trying to get help. I was seeking assistance through multiple channels such as: my family doctor, Queen??s Student Wellness Services, virtual care and walk-in clinics, online mental health tools, crisis support lines and specialist referral. Trying to navigate this help during a pandemic was not timely or easy, and not always successful resulting in significant delays for care, appointments not upheld by the medical professional, and long waits for mental health care and specialist appointments. At the same time, I was trying hard to attend classes, access peer support, complete assignments and build good study habits. I was regularly at the library and also trying to build in healthy activities such as regular attendance at the gym, walking etc. but was struggling with energy level and focus. I also worked with Student Housing to arrange for a move in residences in the winter term to strengthen my peer support network which was a helpful step. While I was able to make some progress to deal with my challenges, I just couldn??t seem to be able to get everything lined up in the way it needed to be, to have the ultimate success I know that I am capable of achieving.
A general timeline of events that highlights the length and significance of these circumstances is attached. Where available, supporting documentation has been provided.
Since the completion of the winter term in April 2022, I have continued to make good progress in my mental health and physical recovery. I am working with my family care provider to develop a new care plan to deal with my physical issues (e.g., vitamin deficiencies, hypothyroidism, stomach issues) and have finally been able to see a specialist for my urological issues. This progress has not only helped me to feel better physically (e.g., I am able to eat again without nausea and vomiting; I have more energy and motivation; etc.) but it has also reduced the related anxiety and worry I had about my physical health. From a mental health perspective, I have started to work with a psychotherapist to better understand my anxiety and to develop the resiliency and tools to deal with it moving forward. Ongoing sessions have already been scheduled throughout the summer, and I will be able to continue working with the therapist once the school year begins through virtual appointments. I also have a good living situation for the upcoming year, having secured an apartment on campus with a few close friends who are strong students, who are aware of my prior struggles and have extended their continued peer support.
From an academic perspective, I have reached out to the Faculty??s Academic Advisory services and hope to continue working with them for career planning, academic counselling as well as review and refinement of my proposed academic plan (attached) which includes four key components of planning; tracking; monitoring and ongoing evaluation. I feel confident that this plan, in conjunction with the foundational physical and mental health supports I have put into place, will enable me to have future academic success. Additionally, with the guidance of the Academic Advisory team, I am prepared to adjust my course load if suggested, and to put any other forthcoming suggested accommodations into place. Having also connected with QSAS and subsequently been redirected back to Academic Advisory services, I would also like to discuss the process to review the results of a previously completed psychological assessment report and/or my anxiety diagnosis to determine if additional academic accommodations should be considered.
In conclusion, I do want to share that I was extremely disappointed with my overall experience as well as my academic performance in my first year. I had such high hopes and was so excited to begin my journey at Queen??s, following in the family tradition of my mom, uncles, aunts and cousin. I was prepared to work hard and was looking forward to this next phase of life, never expecting to end up going through all that happened. However, now that I am coming through to the other side and have made active progress, I feel good about the steps I have taken and have confidence in the supports I have been able to put into place. Experiencing what I did was not easy, but I know that I am now stronger and have the tenacity and tools to be able to keep my physical, mental and academic life on track.
I know that I can be a successful student and active contributor to the Queen??s community. I respectfully request your consideration to waive this recommendation to withdraw for one year. I am determined to work hard, and to make myself, my family and the Faculty of Arts and Science proud. I know I have what it takes to move forward, and I sincerely thank you for this consideration.
Sincerely,
Adam Frazer