Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences

I am writing to appeal to drop the following courses from the Fall and Winter 2017/2018 school year late: SOCY 122 and ENGL 100. I was unable to complete the courses due to extenuating circumstances. I was at a low point due to my mental health, and all my energy was put into trying to get back to a point of functionality.

I learned that I had been struggling with anxiety for a while, but had missed the signs. I spiraled until the culminating effect was too much for me to deal with on my own. In short, I unknowingly forced myself into a sort of social isolation, which caused depression. I could not eat, I could not sleep. I felt physically ill, though I was in perfect physical health. I was lethargic, headachy, fatigued all the time. My cognitive function was not up to par.

My learning suffered because of it. Simple tasks like brushing my teeth, or making myself lunch, felt herculean in effort. I could not find the mental capacity to continue my lessons when so much of my being was focused on functioning as closely to normal as I could. And I did try. I love reading. I love learning. I pride myself on my work ethic and my drive to be successful. When so much of your personal identity is tied to being a good student, nothing is more heartbreaking then putting so much effort into trying be one, and failing.

It feels terrifying, writing this letter. It feels shameful, to admit that I needed help when I was in my darkest place, that I was even there to begin with. I did not understand what was happening to me, and neither did my parents or my sister. They cared about me, but they did not really know how to help me because they did not really understand. They got me to a councillor at the Lake of the Woods Mental Health and Addictions Centre. There, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression.

Since I was in counselling. I have reached out to others who also experience anxiety and depression, and we were able to help each other work through our problems. I have researched and practiced different methods to help overcome anxiety, and pushed myself to participate in different community groups in an (mostly-successful) attempt to re-socialize myself. One of the most beneficial things that I did was join the local theatres production on Irena's Vow.

When I failed to complete my courses during the fall semester- and effectively losing my entrance scholarship due to not keeping my grades at an acceptable level- I thought that I would be taken off the class list due to the fact I had not paid. It did not occur to me that I would have to drop the classes for the second semester, and at that point, I was not in a place where I could deal with completing my courses and focus in my mental health recovery. I was only made aware of my enrolment in the winter semester when I received a letter from a collection agency.

It has been a long road, but I finally feel like I am in a place where I can consider pursuing a higher education and get a degree. I finally feel strong enough to deal with the consequences of that autumn, and that is why I am finally writing to drop ENGL 100 and SOCY 122 late. If I am to return to the world of academia, I want to do it with a clean slate. I was, and still am, worried about the repercussions those grades may have in my future, and I want to go into the new part of my life as securely as I can.

I plan on returning to a counselling to help maintain my mental health, akin to check-up visits, when needed. I practice certain breathing and focus techniques on a daily basis, and plan to continue to do so. In all honesty, I feel much more capable of dealing with my mental health than I did a year ago. I know my limitations, and how to avoid getting into specific situations that trigger me. I can say with the utmost surety that I am stronger and more capable for having gone through it.

That is why I am appealing. The future is exciting, and it finally feels like it might have something bright in store for me. I would love to pursue my love for stories and art and reading, and turn it into a career in creative writing. All I am asking for is some help getting there.

Sincerely,



Winnie Boucha