Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to request the removal of the failing grade I received in MATH121 during the Fall/Winter 2023 semester from my academic transcript.

Adjusting to life in Canada as an international student presented a multitude of challenges that I hadn't anticipated. The cultural differences proved to be more significant than I had initially thought, making even simple aspects of daily life, like food choices, a struggle. As a pure vegetarian and a Hindu, the limited availability of vegetarian options compounded my challenges. The unfamiliarity with the local food left me with few suitable food choices, increasing my already significant struggles.

My dietary restrictions made finding appropriate meals particularly difficult, and the scarcity of options led to considerable stress and anxiety surrounding food. Additionally, the lack of familiar dishes or ingredients further heightened my sense of isolation and homesickness. As a result, I experienced a significant weight loss, shedding around 60 pounds in just 3-4 months. Such a drastic change in weight not only raised concerns about my physical health but also took a toll on my mental well-being.

Adding to the difficulty was the fact that I had no friends and felt entirely isolated. This sense of loneliness was heightened by the weight of my family's high expectations. I found it difficult to share my struggles with them, especially when I felt like I wasn't meeting their expectations. Additionally, not knowing about the resources available at Queen's University left me feeling even more lost and without anyone to turn to for support.

Moreover, I experienced a profound sense of homesickness, which led to many sleepless nights and emotional distress. The cultural gap made it challenging for me to feel comfortable in my new environment. As a consequence, I frequently found myself unable to attend morning lectures, which had a profound effect on my academic performance.

In addition, while I could manage other subjects that were more theory-based, I struggled significantly with MATH 121. This particular course demanded extensive practice, but I found it difficult to focus properly due to my heightened emotional state and a minimal attention span. This further compounded my academic challenges and added to my overall sense of frustration and anxiety.

In hindsight, I contemplated dropping the course after the first semester. However, I held onto the hope that I could overcome the challenges and improve my performance after the winter break. Regrettably, I kept postponing my decision to drop the course, believing that I could improvise and have a chance at success.

During my summer break, I took proactive steps to address the challenges I faced during the previous semester. One of the most significant changes was establishing regular communication with my family, which provided invaluable emotional support. I made sure to have heart-to-heart conversations with my dad about the difficulties I encountered, and being home for the entire four months of summer break truly helped me feel better.

I also prioritized cultivating meaningful friendships and maintaining a balanced diet. These efforts not only contributed to my overall well-being but also provided a supportive network outside of academia. However, perhaps the most crucial change was adopting a disciplined approach to my studies. I also got acquainted with the university's support systems and became familiar with the campus environment, which proved to be immensely beneficial, aiding me academically. Overall, these proactive measures have significantly contributed to my personal growth and academic success.

Furthermore, in response to my struggles with MATH 121, I decided to enroll in a replacement course, MATH 126, this year. This adjustment proved to be beneficial, as I dedicated myself to improving my mathematical skills. As a result of my efforts, I am pleased to report that I am performing well in MATH 126, consistently achieving high grades, and currently on track to score an A in this course. This reflects some of the proactive steps as I mentioned above to increase my academic performance.

I wish to emphasize that the failing grade in MATH 121 does not accurately reflect my academic capabilities or potential.

Given these circumstances, I humbly request that MATH 121 be dropped from my academic record.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration of my request.

Warm regards,

Aaryan Mokashi
20367326