Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Despite the fact that I obtained my documentation from my GP within the timeline, it took me until now to pinpoint not only what went wrong, but also how I am able to cope and ensure future success, and not repeat what happened in the past.

My depression has, and will continue to, affect me. Throughout the last academic year, I experienced a very bad episode which, after a conversation with my family doctor, we determined is part of a larger pattern over the last few years that culminated in the past two. This resulted in my inability not only to focus in school, but also to do almost anything. I experienced poor and depressive moods, lack of organization, and major physical and emotional fatigue.

In attempting to manage my symptoms last year, I was in therapy and took medication, and it did help quite a lot—but I stopped because I felt better. Unfortunately, I have discovered that I need to continue working on it and taking medication to manage the problem.

Mental illness is not a one-size-fits-all cure like breaking a bone; it is something I will likely struggle with for the rest of my life. Thus, analyzing and discussing what went wrong and how I can better set myself up for success with my GP was important. I now have a set plan in place. I will not only continue coping with my mental illness through the skills I’ve learned and medication, but I will also be keeping an eye out for signs that indicate a depressive episode.

Additionally, I am submitting documentation for accommodations in class and with assignments/tests. I also know my strengths when it comes to which classes I am able to take in order to succeed. For example, I am not strong in heavy memorization courses like languages, whereas I tend to do well in essay- and assignment-based courses. Therefore, if I do take a heavy memorization course like a language, I will make sure not to overload my schedule with similar classes.