Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13287
Submitted: June 5, 2025 at 4:10:18 PM
First Name: Isabella
Last Name: Garrido
Pronoun: she/her
Preferred Name: Isabella
Student Number: 20400090
Email: 22psqg@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BScH
Plan: Biology
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing with deep humility and sincerity to appeal the request for my withdrawal from Bachelor of Science at Queen’s University. I recognize how serious this situation is, and I want to express how truly sorry and ashamed I feel to be submitting a second appeal. I never imagined I would be in this position again, but I am asking for one more chance to continue my education and prove what I’m capable of.
Last year, I was placed on academic probation during a very difficult time in my life. I was transitioning from living in an unstable household with a single parent, which took a significant toll on my mental health and ability to focus on school. Despite that, I submitted a plan and fully intended to follow through on it. Unfortunately, this past year brought a new wave of challenges that I struggled to manage.
I hate making excuses, this is truly a low and weak moment for me, but being vulnerable I went through a surgical abortion this year and was recently diagnosed with severe anxiety. I’ve since been prescribed antidepressants and have been taking steps toward stability, including trying to access therapy through Queen’s. I began working as a sports journalist for Queen’s Campus Radio through the work study program, a role that gave me a renewed sense of purpose and connection. I truly started building a life for myself in Kingston, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was creating space away from the chaos and harm I experienced at home.
Being asked to withdraw now, especially if it means returning home, would severely impact my mental health. I don’t have a safe or stable environment to return to, and being in Kingston has been a critical part of my healing process. I’ve made genuine efforts to get help, to stay engaged with my interests, and to get better, but I’ve fallen short, and I accept responsibility for that.
That said, I do not want to give up, I want to prove to myself and to this University. I want more than anything to continue my studies. I had hoped to take summer courses to begin catching up, and if possible, I would be more than willing to return as a part-time or online student for a semester or a full year, whatever it takes to remain connected and continue making progress while prioritizing my mental health.
I also want to confirm that I will be able to provide medical documentation to support this appeal, including details of my diagnosis and treatment. I have a phone appointment scheduled for this coming Monday and will submit the documents as soon as they are available.
I know this is not the path I imagined for myself, and I understand the responsibility your office carries in upholding academic standards. But I am asking sincerely not to be given up on. All I want is the chance to move forward and continue building the future I’m trying so hard to create for myself.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my appeal. I understand the severity of this, I know the risks of trusting my words, I am truly ashamed but I really need this degree, I need to do this for me. There's nothing more I wanted then to succeed academically at Queen's, but mental health is no joke, for a long time I've been at war internally, and I believed it was all in my head, I am thankful I have finally been able to begin receiving the proper care I needed this year.
Please let me know if any further information is needed I would be more than willing to speak with you directly.
Sincerely,
Isabella Garrido
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing with deep humility and sincerity to appeal the request for my withdrawal from Bachelor of Science at Queen’s University. I recognize how serious this situation is, and I want to express how truly sorry and ashamed I feel to be submitting a second appeal. I never imagined I would be in this position again, but I am asking for one more chance to continue my education and prove what I’m capable of.
Last year, I was placed on academic probation during a very difficult time in my life. I was transitioning from living in an unstable household with a single parent, which took a significant toll on my mental health and ability to focus on school. Despite that, I submitted a plan and fully intended to follow through on it. Unfortunately, this past year brought a new wave of challenges that I struggled to manage.
I hate making excuses, this is truly a low and weak moment for me, but being vulnerable I went through a surgical abortion this year and was recently diagnosed with severe anxiety. I’ve since been prescribed antidepressants and have been taking steps toward stability, including trying to access therapy through Queen’s. I began working as a sports journalist for Queen’s Campus Radio through the work study program, a role that gave me a renewed sense of purpose and connection. I truly started building a life for myself in Kingston, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was creating space away from the chaos and harm I experienced at home.
Being asked to withdraw now, especially if it means returning home, would severely impact my mental health. I don’t have a safe or stable environment to return to, and being in Kingston has been a critical part of my healing process. I’ve made genuine efforts to get help, to stay engaged with my interests, and to get better, but I’ve fallen short, and I accept responsibility for that.
That said, I do not want to give up, I want to prove to myself and to this University. I want more than anything to continue my studies. I had hoped to take summer courses to begin catching up, and if possible, I would be more than willing to return as a part-time or online student for a semester or a full year, whatever it takes to remain connected and continue making progress while prioritizing my mental health.
I also want to confirm that I will be able to provide medical documentation to support this appeal, including details of my diagnosis and treatment. I have a phone appointment scheduled for this coming Monday and will submit the documents as soon as they are available.
I know this is not the path I imagined for myself, and I understand the responsibility your office carries in upholding academic standards. But I am asking sincerely not to be given up on. All I want is the chance to move forward and continue building the future I’m trying so hard to create for myself.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my appeal. I understand the severity of this, I know the risks of trusting my words, I am truly ashamed but I really need this degree, I need to do this for me. There's nothing more I wanted then to succeed academically at Queen's, but mental health is no joke, for a long time I've been at war internally, and I believed it was all in my head, I am thankful I have finally been able to begin receiving the proper care I needed this year.
Please let me know if any further information is needed I would be more than willing to speak with you directly.
Sincerely,
Isabella Garrido
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Objective:
To demonstrate my commitment to academic success, mental wellness, and personal accountability, with the goal of remaining enrolled at Queen’s University and completing my degree.
1. Course Load and Academic Strategy
Summer semesters: Enroll in (1–2) summer courses (pending approval) to begin making up lost credits in a manageable, focused setting.
Fall 2025 – Winter 2026:
Take a reduced course load (3–4 courses per term) to allow space for recovery, ongoing counselling, and academic improvement.
Prioritize core program requirements and electives where I can perform strongly.
Continue to regularly attend all lectures/tutorials, with a goal of no unexcused absences.
Reach out to academic sources, I know Queen’s offers so much, I would absolutely love the opportunity to ask for help if needed.
I began studying more in groups this year. I want to continue that, I enjoy and find it helpful teaching others and learning from different perspectives as well.
2. Mental Health and Wellness Commitments
Continue treatment for anxiety, medical follow-ups are in place and will be prepared throughout the school year
Maintain active participation in counselling through Queen’s Student Wellness Services (already initiated).
Avoid returning to a harmful home environment by remaining in Kingston, where I can maintain independence and mental safety.
Abstain from alcohol and drug use, as I have this past academic year, to protect my mental and academic focus.
3. Accountability and Support
Academic check in bi-weekly with an academic advisor to review progress and stay on track.
Continue using personal calendar and weekly to-do lists using platforms like Notion, my Google Calendar and my pocket-book agenda.
I want to seek out communication with professors and TAs to ask questions early and avoid falling behind. I’ve been advised to put in a lot of effort in this area by a few close and wiser friends who have been in a similar position to me.
4. Engagement and Community Stability
I support myself financially 100% alone, so finding a job this year that does not cross over with my academic responsibilities, finding a healthy balance for me.
Participate in low-commitment extracurriculars, taking a break from my volunteer work for a year. Join an academic club that align with my interests and promotes a structure
Research Queen’s Accessibility Services for potential academic accommodations due to mental health.
5. Long-Term Goals
Regain good academic standing by the end of Winter 2026.
Graduate on an adjusted timeline if necessary, without compromising health or academic integrity.
Continue therapy and personal development beyond university, using this time of difficulty as a turning point for lasting growth.
Final Note:
I am fully aware of the seriousness of this process and the trust I am asking you to place in me. This plan is not just about staying enrolled, it's about becoming the student and person I know I can be. I am deeply committed to seeing this through, and I will accept any oversight or conditions placed on me to prove that.
To demonstrate my commitment to academic success, mental wellness, and personal accountability, with the goal of remaining enrolled at Queen’s University and completing my degree.
1. Course Load and Academic Strategy
Summer semesters: Enroll in (1–2) summer courses (pending approval) to begin making up lost credits in a manageable, focused setting.
Fall 2025 – Winter 2026:
Take a reduced course load (3–4 courses per term) to allow space for recovery, ongoing counselling, and academic improvement.
Prioritize core program requirements and electives where I can perform strongly.
Continue to regularly attend all lectures/tutorials, with a goal of no unexcused absences.
Reach out to academic sources, I know Queen’s offers so much, I would absolutely love the opportunity to ask for help if needed.
I began studying more in groups this year. I want to continue that, I enjoy and find it helpful teaching others and learning from different perspectives as well.
2. Mental Health and Wellness Commitments
Continue treatment for anxiety, medical follow-ups are in place and will be prepared throughout the school year
Maintain active participation in counselling through Queen’s Student Wellness Services (already initiated).
Avoid returning to a harmful home environment by remaining in Kingston, where I can maintain independence and mental safety.
Abstain from alcohol and drug use, as I have this past academic year, to protect my mental and academic focus.
3. Accountability and Support
Academic check in bi-weekly with an academic advisor to review progress and stay on track.
Continue using personal calendar and weekly to-do lists using platforms like Notion, my Google Calendar and my pocket-book agenda.
I want to seek out communication with professors and TAs to ask questions early and avoid falling behind. I’ve been advised to put in a lot of effort in this area by a few close and wiser friends who have been in a similar position to me.
4. Engagement and Community Stability
I support myself financially 100% alone, so finding a job this year that does not cross over with my academic responsibilities, finding a healthy balance for me.
Participate in low-commitment extracurriculars, taking a break from my volunteer work for a year. Join an academic club that align with my interests and promotes a structure
Research Queen’s Accessibility Services for potential academic accommodations due to mental health.
5. Long-Term Goals
Regain good academic standing by the end of Winter 2026.
Graduate on an adjusted timeline if necessary, without compromising health or academic integrity.
Continue therapy and personal development beyond university, using this time of difficulty as a turning point for lasting growth.
Final Note:
I am fully aware of the seriousness of this process and the trust I am asking you to place in me. This plan is not just about staying enrolled, it's about becoming the student and person I know I can be. I am deeply committed to seeing this through, and I will accept any oversight or conditions placed on me to prove that.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: All of my documentation is not yet in my posession, but I plan on giving everything necessary.