Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 10932
Submitted: September 12, 2023 at 4:03:43 AM
First Name: yasseen
Last Name: madi
Pronoun: he/him
Preferred Name: yasseen
Student Number: 20360950
Email: 22ym6@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BSH
Plan: LISC
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Members of the Office of the Registrar,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request an exception to the one-year withdrawal from Queen's University, which I initiated due to personal reasons beyond my control. I understand the gravity of this request and wish to provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances that led to my withdrawal.
A year ago, I made the decision to pursue higher education at Queen's University, a decision I believed would be both academically and personally enriching. However, this journey has presented unforeseen challenges that have significantly impacted my ability to perform academically and maintain my overall well-being.
The primary factor contributing to my academic struggles was the abrupt change in my living environment. I moved from my parents' home in Egypt to live alone in Canada, a transition that proved to be overwhelming. This dramatic shift in my daily life, culture, and support system had a profound effect on my mental health. I began experiencing severe anxiety issues that escalated to the point where I was unable to manage my academic responsibilities effectively.
My anxiety reached a level where I was too frightened to seek help or even open my emails. The mere sight of assignments and academic obligations triggered panic attacks, leaving me feeling incapacitated and unable to reach out for assistance. Additionally, cultural norms in Egypt made it challenging for me to admit my struggles or seek professional help, as there is a stigma surrounding mental health that discourages individuals from acknowledging their difficulties or seeking therapy. I feared appearing weak and admitting that I had failed.
After extensive self-reflection and a period of self-imposed isolation, I have come to realize that seeking help and support is not a sign of weakness but a crucial step toward achieving success in both my academic and personal life. It is with this newfound understanding that I am humbly petitioning for an exception to my one-year withdrawal from Queen's University.
If my petition is granted, I am fully committed to taking proactive steps to address my mental health challenges and improve my academic performance. Specifically, I plan to consult with a therapist and an academic advisor on a weekly basis to ensure that I have the necessary tools and support to excel at Queen's University.
I must also share that my parents have sent me back to Egypt, and they are willing to send me back to Canada only if this petition is approved. Unfortunately, my parents do not believe in the importance of therapy or mental health support, and I am unable to consult a doctor without their permission in Egypt. Therefore, my return to Canada is contingent upon your understanding and consideration of my circumstances.
In closing, I want to emphasize that my top priority is to succeed at Queen's University and make the most of this valuable educational opportunity. I genuinely believe that, with the right support and resources, I can overcome the challenges I have faced and achieve my academic goals.
I kindly request that you review my petition with compassion and understanding. I am more than willing to provide any additional documentation or information if required. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated, and I am eager to resume my studies and seek the help I need as soon as possible.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Yasseen Madi
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request an exception to the one-year withdrawal from Queen's University, which I initiated due to personal reasons beyond my control. I understand the gravity of this request and wish to provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances that led to my withdrawal.
A year ago, I made the decision to pursue higher education at Queen's University, a decision I believed would be both academically and personally enriching. However, this journey has presented unforeseen challenges that have significantly impacted my ability to perform academically and maintain my overall well-being.
The primary factor contributing to my academic struggles was the abrupt change in my living environment. I moved from my parents' home in Egypt to live alone in Canada, a transition that proved to be overwhelming. This dramatic shift in my daily life, culture, and support system had a profound effect on my mental health. I began experiencing severe anxiety issues that escalated to the point where I was unable to manage my academic responsibilities effectively.
My anxiety reached a level where I was too frightened to seek help or even open my emails. The mere sight of assignments and academic obligations triggered panic attacks, leaving me feeling incapacitated and unable to reach out for assistance. Additionally, cultural norms in Egypt made it challenging for me to admit my struggles or seek professional help, as there is a stigma surrounding mental health that discourages individuals from acknowledging their difficulties or seeking therapy. I feared appearing weak and admitting that I had failed.
After extensive self-reflection and a period of self-imposed isolation, I have come to realize that seeking help and support is not a sign of weakness but a crucial step toward achieving success in both my academic and personal life. It is with this newfound understanding that I am humbly petitioning for an exception to my one-year withdrawal from Queen's University.
If my petition is granted, I am fully committed to taking proactive steps to address my mental health challenges and improve my academic performance. Specifically, I plan to consult with a therapist and an academic advisor on a weekly basis to ensure that I have the necessary tools and support to excel at Queen's University.
I must also share that my parents have sent me back to Egypt, and they are willing to send me back to Canada only if this petition is approved. Unfortunately, my parents do not believe in the importance of therapy or mental health support, and I am unable to consult a doctor without their permission in Egypt. Therefore, my return to Canada is contingent upon your understanding and consideration of my circumstances.
In closing, I want to emphasize that my top priority is to succeed at Queen's University and make the most of this valuable educational opportunity. I genuinely believe that, with the right support and resources, I can overcome the challenges I have faced and achieve my academic goals.
I kindly request that you review my petition with compassion and understanding. I am more than willing to provide any additional documentation or information if required. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated, and I am eager to resume my studies and seek the help I need as soon as possible.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Yasseen Madi
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Academic Plan
Objective: My goal is to successfully complete this semester with improved academic performance while prioritizing my mental health and overall well-being.
1. Course Selection and Load Adjustment:
I will enroll in a manageable course load that aligns with my academic goals and accommodates my mental health needs.
2. Academic Advisor Meetings:
I plan to schedule regular meetings with my academic advisor at the beginning and middle of the semester to discuss my progress and make any necessary adjustments to my course plan.
3. Mental Health Support:
I will consult a mental health professional regularly or as instructed by such professional.
I will maintain a journal to track my mental health progress, triggers, and coping strategies.
4. Time Management and Organization:
I will create a detailed semester calendar with assignment due dates, exam dates, and therapy sessions.
I will utilize time management techniques to allocate dedicated study time for each course, ensuring a balanced workload.
5. Study Strategies:
I am committed to implementing effective study strategies recommended by my academic advisor, such as active note-taking, group study, and breaking study sessions into manageable chunks.
6. Assignment and Exam Preparation:
I will begin assignments well in advance, breaking them into smaller tasks to avoid last-minute stress.
I will develop a study schedule for exam preparation that includes regular review sessions.
7. Self-Care and Well-Being:
I will prioritize self-care activities, including exercise, relaxation techniques, and healthy eating habits.
I will engage in extracurricular activities to promote social connections and personal growth.
8. Communication and Support:
I am committed to maintaining open communication with professors regarding any difficulties or extensions needed.
I will seek out academic support resources, such as tutoring services or study groups.
9. Regular Self-Assessment:
I will continuously assess my mental health and academic progress throughout the semester.
I am prepared to adjust my plan as necessary, considering my evolving needs and circumstances.
10. End-of-Semester Evaluation:
- At the end of the semester, I will reflect on my accomplishments and challenges.
- I will use this evaluation to inform future academic and mental health strategies.
Notes:
I will remember that my well-being is paramount. I will adjust my plan if I experience significant changes in my mental health.
I will be flexible and compassionate with myself, understanding that success is a journey, and setbacks can be part of that journey.
I will seek out on-campus resources for academic and mental health support, as Queen's University has many services available to help me succeed.
By following this comprehensive academic plan for the entire semester, I am committed to working toward my academic goals while actively prioritizing my mental health and well-being. I believe that seeking help when needed is a sign of strength and determination, and I am dedicated to achieving success at Queen's University.
Objective: My goal is to successfully complete this semester with improved academic performance while prioritizing my mental health and overall well-being.
1. Course Selection and Load Adjustment:
I will enroll in a manageable course load that aligns with my academic goals and accommodates my mental health needs.
2. Academic Advisor Meetings:
I plan to schedule regular meetings with my academic advisor at the beginning and middle of the semester to discuss my progress and make any necessary adjustments to my course plan.
3. Mental Health Support:
I will consult a mental health professional regularly or as instructed by such professional.
I will maintain a journal to track my mental health progress, triggers, and coping strategies.
4. Time Management and Organization:
I will create a detailed semester calendar with assignment due dates, exam dates, and therapy sessions.
I will utilize time management techniques to allocate dedicated study time for each course, ensuring a balanced workload.
5. Study Strategies:
I am committed to implementing effective study strategies recommended by my academic advisor, such as active note-taking, group study, and breaking study sessions into manageable chunks.
6. Assignment and Exam Preparation:
I will begin assignments well in advance, breaking them into smaller tasks to avoid last-minute stress.
I will develop a study schedule for exam preparation that includes regular review sessions.
7. Self-Care and Well-Being:
I will prioritize self-care activities, including exercise, relaxation techniques, and healthy eating habits.
I will engage in extracurricular activities to promote social connections and personal growth.
8. Communication and Support:
I am committed to maintaining open communication with professors regarding any difficulties or extensions needed.
I will seek out academic support resources, such as tutoring services or study groups.
9. Regular Self-Assessment:
I will continuously assess my mental health and academic progress throughout the semester.
I am prepared to adjust my plan as necessary, considering my evolving needs and circumstances.
10. End-of-Semester Evaluation:
- At the end of the semester, I will reflect on my accomplishments and challenges.
- I will use this evaluation to inform future academic and mental health strategies.
Notes:
I will remember that my well-being is paramount. I will adjust my plan if I experience significant changes in my mental health.
I will be flexible and compassionate with myself, understanding that success is a journey, and setbacks can be part of that journey.
I will seek out on-campus resources for academic and mental health support, as Queen's University has many services available to help me succeed.
By following this comprehensive academic plan for the entire semester, I am committed to working toward my academic goals while actively prioritizing my mental health and well-being. I believe that seeking help when needed is a sign of strength and determination, and I am dedicated to achieving success at Queen's University.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC