Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,

My name is Cristina Isabel Medeiros Soares and I am currently in my last year of studies at Queen’s University, with a BAH in English Literature and a minor in Gender Studies. I am currently petitioning to late drop ENGL 237 (2023 Summer), ENGL 215 (2023 Summer), GNDS 311 (2023 Fall), ENGL 497 (2023 Fall), ENGL 356 (2023 Fall/Winter), GNDS 315 (2024 Winter), and ENGL 451 (2024 Winter), as well as apply for Credit Standing in ENGL 441 (2024 Winter).

Over the past few years, my mental health has significantly impacted my academic performance, beginning in 2022 when I first began treatment for anxiety and depression, linked to my PTSD diagnosis. My treatment involved a series of SSRIs prescribed by Dr. Song; however, the side effects were incredibly severe. I struggled daily with fainting, nausea, digestive problems to the point I would soil myself, severe migraines, and intense muscle pain. These symptoms, coupled with worsening anxiety and depression, rendered me completely incapacitated at times. I could not leave my bed, much less my house, for days at a time, and I was unable to engage with my coursework in any meaningful way. After six weeks, I begged to return to my original medication, despite it leaving me sluggish, tired, and mentally foggy, further hindering my ability to concentrate and complete academic tasks. It was not until May 2024, during a follow-up appointment with Dr. Song, that I was confronted with the possibility of having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. I was soon diagnosed, which explained many of my cognitive struggles. I was prescribed Vyvanse soon after the diagnosis, and my quality of life and academic performance dramatically improved. I regained the ability to focus, attend class, remember, and meet deadlines, helping me achieve my first 90% grade since my first year at Queen’s University.
The courses I am appealing to drop were particularly impacted by my mental health. These specific courses were critical to my academic progression, involving significant research, frequent assessments, and complex material that required consistent focus and energy I simply could not muster. Unfortunately, my symptoms made it impossible to meet the rigorous demands of these courses, contributing to my inability to perform at the level I now know I am capable of. Despite my best efforts, I found myself unable to engage with the material, attend classes consistently, or meet deadlines. The block I experienced, both physically and mentally, made everything in my life at the time feel insurmountable. I did not drop these courses earlier because I was determined to push through, believing my situation would improve with time; however, it became clear that I was unable to perform at the level required with the symptoms I was facing daily. My academic performance during this time does not reflect my true abilities whatsoever, and is a direct result of the symptoms I was experiencing.

Since receiving the proper diagnosis and treatment, I have made significant improvements in both my mental health and academic performance. I attend weekly to bi-weekly therapy sessions with my psychologist, Tessa, and have registered for accommodations through QSAS. I have also adjusted my course load, reducing it from five courses per term to four, which has allowed me to better manage my responsibilities. I also made a conscious effort to engage with my professors this year, ensuring I stay on top of my assignments and attendance, which has reignited my passion for my degree path. While I recognize that my mental health challenges impacted my academic performance, I take full responsibility for my academic journey and am committed to taking all the necessary steps to improve and rectify the situation. My determination to succeed remains steadfast, and this experience has only reinforced my drive to maintain my mental and academic health moving forward with the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Moving forward to the end of my time at Queen’s University, I am committed to continuing my therapy and treatment plan. With these changes in place, I am confident I can recover my GPA and succeed in my future academic endeavors. My long-term goal of attending graduate school is extremely important to me, and in order to achieve this, I need to ensure that my current academic standing is reflective of my true potential. Dropping even one of these previous courses will allow me to ameliorate my final GPA in a way that better positions me for success in the future. Despite the pain, disappointment, and suffering, this journey has taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, self-compassion, and seeking help when necessary. While the past few years have been quite challenging, they allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of my mental health and how to manage it in a way that supports both my personal life and academic goals.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Sincerely,

Cristina Isabel Medeiros Soares