Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,

Hello, my name is Anais Wickramasinghe and I've been enrolled at Queen's for the past 4 years. This petition letter addresses the two courses I did not complete in the fall term of 2022. My file at Queen's includes my status with Ventus and Qsas. I thoroughly enjoy being a student at Queen's and am very grateful for the help they've provided me through various struggles. This petition is to clear 2 subjects that I was not able to complete in 2022 from my record, which as of now reflect an F grade.

Last year on October 27th 2022 of the fall semester I was involved in a 6-vehicle accident on the 401 while driving to my home in Toronto. My car was the most affected and I was left with no vehicle and insurance money to cover physiotherapy. I suffered moderate physical injuries but the impression left on my mental wellbeing was significantly more. I suffered from heightened anxiety, as well as physical pain which led me to a depressive episode after a few weeks. I had been battling depression for the past couple of years and was diagnosed in the summer of 2022 with major depression disorder. Following my accident I was unable to make it to campus for my lectures and skipped the exams. I was battling addiction, anxiety, depression, and pain and could genuinely not leave my home on most days. I worked part-time in Kingston and the incident affected my hours and mobility on my job. Though I regret it deeply now, I stopped attending school to focus on my physical recovery and making money to support myself.

When it came to the winter semester I was determined to try to continue school with only two courses. I found it incredibly difficult and was still deep in my depressive episode. With the support of one of my professors, Dr. Eric Fillion, I was able to finish a single history course, with the help of my accommodations. I was not so lucky with my second course which was PHIL 151, though this year I am retaking it to fix my mark. I should have taken the time to properly heal and take care of myself, but I genuinely love learning and tried my best to stay in school. I own my decisions and take full responsibility for my actions, but also acknowledge that my illnesses are not my fault.

Over the summer, I have gotten on medication as well as sought out help for my mental well-being. I hope to one day apply to Queen's Law as well as other law schools and I would hope this incident with my mental health will not impact my transcript. I was a student with a 3.8 average, and I know I can become that student if not a better one once again. I am very passionate about school and my grades, reflected as suck in my first few years. I can not control what the world throws at me, and I've come to accept it might take me longer than others, but there's nothing more I'd like than to finish my undergraduate degree and continue my academic career at Queens.

I respect your decision and thank you for your consideration and time,
Anaïs