Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 4742
Submitted: June 12, 2018 at 9:02:34 PM
First Name: Budhvin
Last Name: Hewage
Student Number: 20030777
Email: 16bsh@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BSH
Plan: GEOL
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: I am writing to appeal the Faculty¿¿s decision that I withdraw from Queen¿¿s for a period of 12 months. This came about as my failure to achieve the required CGPA for students on academic probation.
I am not surprised to see the letter, for I failed to confront the depression I have. I have had depression since high school, and prior to graduation from high school, I received counseling for severe depression for familial issues. I believed upon arriving at Queen¿¿s University, I would be able to start anew and move forward with my life. It was not the case, for I suffered from depression during my stay at Queen¿¿s University. Over the course of each year, I faltered and was faced with severe depression. Each minor mistake I made, average performances in school, and my seasonal depression saw me collapse into severe depression.
I made half-hearted attempts such as being more active by going to the gym and joining clubs, yet I failed to accept that I had depression. I had fear of ridicule from others, fear of not being taken seriously, and self-mockery over ¿¿how could I have depression¿. In turn, the depression, directly and indirectly, affected my academic performance.
I struggled to maintain a proper diet with periods of time where I would overeat preceded by loss of appetite. I withdrew and had little contact with friends and family, and remained in my room for long periods of time each day. I struggled with concentrating on courses which lead to poor work completion and abysmal performances on tests and assignments. They were followed by self-loathing and low self-esteem leading to frequent absences from important classes. I saw a steep drop in motivation in life and in school, and in order to distract myself from my failures, I fell into an internet addiction which provided me with temporary solace from my depression.
I am not surprised to see the letter, for I failed to confront the depression I have. I have had depression since high school, and prior to graduation from high school, I received counseling for severe depression for familial issues. I believed upon arriving at Queen¿¿s University, I would be able to start anew and move forward with my life. It was not the case, for I suffered from depression during my stay at Queen¿¿s University. Over the course of each year, I faltered and was faced with severe depression. Each minor mistake I made, average performances in school, and my seasonal depression saw me collapse into severe depression.
I made half-hearted attempts such as being more active by going to the gym and joining clubs, yet I failed to accept that I had depression. I had fear of ridicule from others, fear of not being taken seriously, and self-mockery over ¿¿how could I have depression¿. In turn, the depression, directly and indirectly, affected my academic performance.
I struggled to maintain a proper diet with periods of time where I would overeat preceded by loss of appetite. I withdrew and had little contact with friends and family, and remained in my room for long periods of time each day. I struggled with concentrating on courses which lead to poor work completion and abysmal performances on tests and assignments. They were followed by self-loathing and low self-esteem leading to frequent absences from important classes. I saw a steep drop in motivation in life and in school, and in order to distract myself from my failures, I fell into an internet addiction which provided me with temporary solace from my depression.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: The steps that I am taking to succeed in my future studies are split into two sections, them being the goals for the summer and the plans for the following year.
This summer, I am completing 3 summer courses which will help me attain a CGPA above 1.6. I have a friend who is helping me when the courses get tough, as well as other friends who I seek help in completing my work. In combating my depression, I sought help with Queen's Mental Health Services, and I am currently having bi-weekly sessions with Hannah Peck, my counselor. I also came forward to my family and close friends regarding my circumstances, and they have told they will be supporting me through my depression.
The following school year, I will be seeing my counselor weekly. I am currently seeking to place myself into Queen's Accessibility Services, under the recommendation of my counselor. Another service that I am currently registered with, and will seek help in, is the Student Academic Success Services, following the recommendation from my physician. They will help me reduce my procrastination, improve my time management, and develop better study skills. For personal support, I have come out to my new housemates regarding my circumstances, and they have offered to support me, which I accepted. I will also continue to get support from my family, who will keep in contact with me each week, to track my progress.
With the help of through Queen's University services, my counselor and friends, I will prevent myself from falling into severe depression. This, in turn, will help me achieve my academic goal.
This summer, I am completing 3 summer courses which will help me attain a CGPA above 1.6. I have a friend who is helping me when the courses get tough, as well as other friends who I seek help in completing my work. In combating my depression, I sought help with Queen's Mental Health Services, and I am currently having bi-weekly sessions with Hannah Peck, my counselor. I also came forward to my family and close friends regarding my circumstances, and they have told they will be supporting me through my depression.
The following school year, I will be seeing my counselor weekly. I am currently seeking to place myself into Queen's Accessibility Services, under the recommendation of my counselor. Another service that I am currently registered with, and will seek help in, is the Student Academic Success Services, following the recommendation from my physician. They will help me reduce my procrastination, improve my time management, and develop better study skills. For personal support, I have come out to my new housemates regarding my circumstances, and they have offered to support me, which I accepted. I will also continue to get support from my family, who will keep in contact with me each week, to track my progress.
With the help of through Queen's University services, my counselor and friends, I will prevent myself from falling into severe depression. This, in turn, will help me achieve my academic goal.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC