Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13297
Submitted: June 8, 2025 at 9:53:39 PM
First Name: Kaiwen
Last Name: Xiao
Pronoun: Mr
Student Number: 20357663
Email: 21kx14@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BS
Plan: General in Mathematics
Level of Study: 3
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: During my middle school holidays, I participated in an intensive painting course. The teacher at that time, who should have been our guide and protector, abused his position and power to sexually assault me. He even recorded a video and threatened to release it online if I ever told anyone about the incident. These deep psychological traumas and shadows have long haunted me, causing me constant fear and unease.
On December 10, 2024, when the police informed me that the teacher who had threatened me was under investigation and needed my cooperation for an inquiry, I felt a wave of intense panic. That teacher had explicitly told me that if I dared to reveal his actions to anyone, he would release my private video online. I realized that this inquiry meant I had to confront that dark past, but I refused the request to participate in the investigation. Although I knew it might be an opportunity to speak up for other victims and even help the police catch him, the deep-seated fear within me was too much to bear.
However, despite my attempts to suppress these memories, they inevitably surfaced and deeply affected my psychological state. My sleep quality plummeted, and I found it difficult to concentrate during the day, with anxiety spreading constantly. This high level of psychological stress directly impacted my academic performance in the final stage, causing an undeniable negative effect. I felt ashamed of my own helplessness and angry at not being able to escape this past.
In early January 2025, the police approached me again, hoping I could assist them. After much thought, I realized I couldn't let fear conquer me, and I didn't want others to suffer the same fear and pain. So, I decided to push myself and muster the courage to cooperate with the police in their investigation. However, the process of assisting in the investigation consumed a great deal of my time and energy. As I was not in China, I could only participate in the inquiry online. Answering the police's investigative questions took much longer than I had anticipated. In this process, I had to relive that experience repeatedly, and my psychological state became extremely poor. This also severely affected my originally planned exam preparation schedule, causing me to miss many key points that I should have mastered.
During the deferred exam, those terrible images from the past still echoed in my mind. At this moment when I should have been concentrating on completing the exam, I felt waves of dizziness and palpitations. My breathing became rapid, as if there was an invisible sense of oppression in the air. I tried hard to read the questions on the paper, but my attention was constantly pulled by those unsettling memories. I tried to stay calm, but each effort was shattered by the unease deep within me. My hand trembled as I picked up the pen, and I felt as if I had fallen into an inescapable state. The answers on the exam paper became blurred, and my thoughts became confused. Every second felt like an interrogation, and I longed to end this torment.
Since the investigation required confidentiality, I was unable to disclose my situation to the school or anyone else, as explicitly stated in my notice of cooperation in the investigation. During my communication with the police, I asked if I could tell the school about the incident and its impact on me. The police informed me that the case was still ongoing and confidential, and that I would need to cooperate further in the investigation and provide some information in a few days.
On the other hand, the perpetrator had not yet been formally convicted at that time. I was afraid that if I revealed the incident, he would retaliate by releasing my information online, just as he had threatened before.
On May 30, 2025, when the police informed me that the investigation had concluded and the teacher who had threatened me had been formally arrested and convicted, I felt an indescribable sense of relief. It was as if the ropes that had bound me for so long had suddenly snapped, and the heavy feelings of fear, pain, and guilt seemed to be blown away in an instant.
At that moment, I felt a sense of freedom and security. The terrible experience seemed to slowly fade away from me, just like fog dissipating in the sunlight. I knew I no longer had to fear threats or worry about the release of that video. I realized how brave and strong I had been. To reveal the truth, I had faced the deep-seated fears within myself. I felt proud and confident, all of which had been forged by my identity as a victim.
The arrest of that teacher was a symbol of an end and a rebirth. I knew my life would have a fresh start from then on. I was no longer the child who was threatened, but a fortunate survivor who could face the past and bravely seek the truth.
On December 10, 2024, when the police informed me that the teacher who had threatened me was under investigation and needed my cooperation for an inquiry, I felt a wave of intense panic. That teacher had explicitly told me that if I dared to reveal his actions to anyone, he would release my private video online. I realized that this inquiry meant I had to confront that dark past, but I refused the request to participate in the investigation. Although I knew it might be an opportunity to speak up for other victims and even help the police catch him, the deep-seated fear within me was too much to bear.
However, despite my attempts to suppress these memories, they inevitably surfaced and deeply affected my psychological state. My sleep quality plummeted, and I found it difficult to concentrate during the day, with anxiety spreading constantly. This high level of psychological stress directly impacted my academic performance in the final stage, causing an undeniable negative effect. I felt ashamed of my own helplessness and angry at not being able to escape this past.
In early January 2025, the police approached me again, hoping I could assist them. After much thought, I realized I couldn't let fear conquer me, and I didn't want others to suffer the same fear and pain. So, I decided to push myself and muster the courage to cooperate with the police in their investigation. However, the process of assisting in the investigation consumed a great deal of my time and energy. As I was not in China, I could only participate in the inquiry online. Answering the police's investigative questions took much longer than I had anticipated. In this process, I had to relive that experience repeatedly, and my psychological state became extremely poor. This also severely affected my originally planned exam preparation schedule, causing me to miss many key points that I should have mastered.
During the deferred exam, those terrible images from the past still echoed in my mind. At this moment when I should have been concentrating on completing the exam, I felt waves of dizziness and palpitations. My breathing became rapid, as if there was an invisible sense of oppression in the air. I tried hard to read the questions on the paper, but my attention was constantly pulled by those unsettling memories. I tried to stay calm, but each effort was shattered by the unease deep within me. My hand trembled as I picked up the pen, and I felt as if I had fallen into an inescapable state. The answers on the exam paper became blurred, and my thoughts became confused. Every second felt like an interrogation, and I longed to end this torment.
Since the investigation required confidentiality, I was unable to disclose my situation to the school or anyone else, as explicitly stated in my notice of cooperation in the investigation. During my communication with the police, I asked if I could tell the school about the incident and its impact on me. The police informed me that the case was still ongoing and confidential, and that I would need to cooperate further in the investigation and provide some information in a few days.
On the other hand, the perpetrator had not yet been formally convicted at that time. I was afraid that if I revealed the incident, he would retaliate by releasing my information online, just as he had threatened before.
On May 30, 2025, when the police informed me that the investigation had concluded and the teacher who had threatened me had been formally arrested and convicted, I felt an indescribable sense of relief. It was as if the ropes that had bound me for so long had suddenly snapped, and the heavy feelings of fear, pain, and guilt seemed to be blown away in an instant.
At that moment, I felt a sense of freedom and security. The terrible experience seemed to slowly fade away from me, just like fog dissipating in the sunlight. I knew I no longer had to fear threats or worry about the release of that video. I realized how brave and strong I had been. To reveal the truth, I had faced the deep-seated fears within myself. I felt proud and confident, all of which had been forged by my identity as a victim.
The arrest of that teacher was a symbol of an end and a rebirth. I knew my life would have a fresh start from then on. I was no longer the child who was threatened, but a fortunate survivor who could face the past and bravely seek the truth.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: I bring with me an attitude of apology and sincerity to reflect on my performance over the past two semesters. I deeply hope to gain the opportunity to continue my study in Fall 2025, so that I may have another chance to carry out my academic plan. I will face the upcoming courses with a focused academic spirit and determination, and will not miss any opportunity to acquire knowledge. Thank you.
The lessons learned from failing courses are profound and multifaceted. Firstly, I have learned the importance of time management. In mathematics courses, the knowledge points are numerous and complex, requiring a great deal of time and effort to study and review. However, due to my own procrastination and laziness, I ended up panicking before the final exams, which ultimately led to failure. Secondly, I realized the necessity of previewing and reviewing. The content of math courses is usually difficult to understand, and relying solely on classroom instruction makes it hard to fully grasp. Through this course failure, I deeply realized the importance of previewing and reviewing, only in this way can one firmly grasp the knowledge and improve learning efficiency. Furthermore, failing a course made me understand the importance of active learning. During the learning process, I often relied only on the teacher's explanations, lacking the awareness and ability for self-directed learning. However, math courses require students to actively explore and study. Through the lesson of failing, I have realized that I must cultivate my self-learning ability and actively solve problems encountered in the learning process. Finally, I learned to be good at seeking help. When encountering problems I don't understand, I should not fight alone, it is very important to consult teachers and classmates in time. Failing the course made me realize the importance of communication and cooperation with others in learning, which can help me better understand and master knowledge. In short, through the experience of failing a course, I have deeply reflected on my learning methods and attitude, and have learned many valuable experiences and lessons that will help me achieve better academic results in the future.
1.What academic efforts I made in previous semesters
Taking notes and consulting academic websites can significantly improve academic performance. Firstly, note-taking is an effective learning method. In class, writing down the key and difficult points explained by the teacher can not only help you stay focused but also facilitate post-class sorting and review. Good notes should be concise and highlight key concepts and logical relationships, so that when reviewing, one can quickly grasp the main points and consolidate knowledge.
Moreover, the process of note-taking is also a process of processing and internalizing information. While listening to the lecture, converting knowledge into your own words can deepen understanding and memory. After class, organizing and expanding the notes and adding relevant extracurricular knowledge can form a systematic knowledge framework and enhance learning coherence.
Secondly, academic websites are an important source of high-quality learning materials. By consulting the literature, journals, and databases on academic websites, one can access the latest research findings and academic views, broadening their knowledge base. For example, using Google Scholar, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, etc., can help find in-depth research related to the course, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the content.
When consulting materials, one should learn to filter and summarize information, record important viewpoints and data, and compare and integrate them with what is learned in class. Through reading and analyzing academic papers, one can cultivate critical thinking and research skills, and improve understanding and problem-solving abilities regarding academic issues. In short, by taking notes and consulting academic materials on websites, a positive learning cycle can be formed, consolidating classroom knowledge while continuously expanding the knowledge base, thereby laying a solid foundation for improved academic performance.
2.In order to ensure that I can pass and perform well in the next semester, I have made full academic preparations in multiple aspects.
Firstly, I have developed a detailed study plan. In this plan, I have clearly outlined the learning goals and time arrangements for each course. I have specified daily and weekly study tasks and set up periodic review and self-assessment times. Through reasonable planning, I can better manage time and avoid last-minute cramming. At the same time, I have reserved some flexible time in the plan to cope with unexpected learning tasks and personal needs.
Secondly, I have strengthened the review and consolidation of fundamental knowledge. One important reason for course failure last semester was a weak foundation, which made subsequent learning very difficult. Therefore, I spent a lot of time during the break revisiting the course content from last semester, especially focusing on the knowledge points that I had not mastered well before. I reviewed textbooks, did exercises, and watched online courses to solidify the basics and ensure I thoroughly understand each concept.
Additionally, I have begun actively using various academic resources. Besides textbooks and class notes, I often consult related materials on academic websites such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and IEEE Xplore. By reading academic papers and the latest research, I have not only broadened my knowledge but also improved my ability to analyze and solve complex problems. At the same time, I have subscribed to some academic journals and e-books to stay updated on the latest developments in my field.
In terms of study methods, I have also made improvements. I have effectively adjusted my time management into managing fragmented daily time and planning weekly/monthly tasks. For managing fragmented time, I divide roughly two-hour tasks into less than one-hour blocks and take a 10-minute break every hour to maintain focus. I also review vocabulary in my notebook while waiting for transportation, a method I have kept up for half a month. This greatly saves my time. Words that used to take an hour to memorize can now be learned efficiently during these fragmented periods. Furthermore, I will set goals for the entire semester, such as GPA goals, to avoid losing overall direction. By breaking down the semester plan into monthly and then weekly plans based on real-time conditions, including free time, exercise, class time, and specific assignment arrangements, I am confident that I can efficiently and systematically complete all academic tasks without procrastination.
I will use the WOOP model to overcome procrastination. In the
The lessons learned from failing courses are profound and multifaceted. Firstly, I have learned the importance of time management. In mathematics courses, the knowledge points are numerous and complex, requiring a great deal of time and effort to study and review. However, due to my own procrastination and laziness, I ended up panicking before the final exams, which ultimately led to failure. Secondly, I realized the necessity of previewing and reviewing. The content of math courses is usually difficult to understand, and relying solely on classroom instruction makes it hard to fully grasp. Through this course failure, I deeply realized the importance of previewing and reviewing, only in this way can one firmly grasp the knowledge and improve learning efficiency. Furthermore, failing a course made me understand the importance of active learning. During the learning process, I often relied only on the teacher's explanations, lacking the awareness and ability for self-directed learning. However, math courses require students to actively explore and study. Through the lesson of failing, I have realized that I must cultivate my self-learning ability and actively solve problems encountered in the learning process. Finally, I learned to be good at seeking help. When encountering problems I don't understand, I should not fight alone, it is very important to consult teachers and classmates in time. Failing the course made me realize the importance of communication and cooperation with others in learning, which can help me better understand and master knowledge. In short, through the experience of failing a course, I have deeply reflected on my learning methods and attitude, and have learned many valuable experiences and lessons that will help me achieve better academic results in the future.
1.What academic efforts I made in previous semesters
Taking notes and consulting academic websites can significantly improve academic performance. Firstly, note-taking is an effective learning method. In class, writing down the key and difficult points explained by the teacher can not only help you stay focused but also facilitate post-class sorting and review. Good notes should be concise and highlight key concepts and logical relationships, so that when reviewing, one can quickly grasp the main points and consolidate knowledge.
Moreover, the process of note-taking is also a process of processing and internalizing information. While listening to the lecture, converting knowledge into your own words can deepen understanding and memory. After class, organizing and expanding the notes and adding relevant extracurricular knowledge can form a systematic knowledge framework and enhance learning coherence.
Secondly, academic websites are an important source of high-quality learning materials. By consulting the literature, journals, and databases on academic websites, one can access the latest research findings and academic views, broadening their knowledge base. For example, using Google Scholar, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, etc., can help find in-depth research related to the course, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the content.
When consulting materials, one should learn to filter and summarize information, record important viewpoints and data, and compare and integrate them with what is learned in class. Through reading and analyzing academic papers, one can cultivate critical thinking and research skills, and improve understanding and problem-solving abilities regarding academic issues. In short, by taking notes and consulting academic materials on websites, a positive learning cycle can be formed, consolidating classroom knowledge while continuously expanding the knowledge base, thereby laying a solid foundation for improved academic performance.
2.In order to ensure that I can pass and perform well in the next semester, I have made full academic preparations in multiple aspects.
Firstly, I have developed a detailed study plan. In this plan, I have clearly outlined the learning goals and time arrangements for each course. I have specified daily and weekly study tasks and set up periodic review and self-assessment times. Through reasonable planning, I can better manage time and avoid last-minute cramming. At the same time, I have reserved some flexible time in the plan to cope with unexpected learning tasks and personal needs.
Secondly, I have strengthened the review and consolidation of fundamental knowledge. One important reason for course failure last semester was a weak foundation, which made subsequent learning very difficult. Therefore, I spent a lot of time during the break revisiting the course content from last semester, especially focusing on the knowledge points that I had not mastered well before. I reviewed textbooks, did exercises, and watched online courses to solidify the basics and ensure I thoroughly understand each concept.
Additionally, I have begun actively using various academic resources. Besides textbooks and class notes, I often consult related materials on academic websites such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and IEEE Xplore. By reading academic papers and the latest research, I have not only broadened my knowledge but also improved my ability to analyze and solve complex problems. At the same time, I have subscribed to some academic journals and e-books to stay updated on the latest developments in my field.
In terms of study methods, I have also made improvements. I have effectively adjusted my time management into managing fragmented daily time and planning weekly/monthly tasks. For managing fragmented time, I divide roughly two-hour tasks into less than one-hour blocks and take a 10-minute break every hour to maintain focus. I also review vocabulary in my notebook while waiting for transportation, a method I have kept up for half a month. This greatly saves my time. Words that used to take an hour to memorize can now be learned efficiently during these fragmented periods. Furthermore, I will set goals for the entire semester, such as GPA goals, to avoid losing overall direction. By breaking down the semester plan into monthly and then weekly plans based on real-time conditions, including free time, exercise, class time, and specific assignment arrangements, I am confident that I can efficiently and systematically complete all academic tasks without procrastination.
I will use the WOOP model to overcome procrastination. In the
Documentation
Professional Letter: Online Psychological Consultation Reports.pdf
Document: Case Files.pdf