Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to drop my courses of Fall 2014 late. This includes Math 126, Econ 212, Econ 250, Econ 231, and Econ 222.

My first year at Queen¿¿s was not as successful as I would have liked and it was just downhill from there. I started to see everyone excelling around me and it felt like I was stuck in the same mediocre spot. The beginning of third year was when I really spiraled out of control. I could not sleep for more than two or three hours at a time even when I was exhausted. Having to get out of bed, go to class or even socialize felt like a strenuous chore. Then I felt so behind that checking my email or a class website to see what I could catch up on made me nauseous. I could not shake the thoughts of being a complete waste of space, a failure, and an embarrassment. I would sit awake at night thinking about all the things I should have done that day, and everything I need to do in the near future. I decided it would be best to kill myself. When I planned to actually go through with it weeks after I had originally thought of it I lost my nerve. I called a suicide hotline so someone who talk me out of it and I would not have to involve anyone I know.

I was extremely overwhelmed and I did not know where to turn. It was after calling the hotline that I realized I was looking for someone to help me or notice I was having such a hard time. It was right before winter break so I went to see a therapist while home and decided I should continue to speak to someone in Kingston. After the break I had to force myself to keep asking for help.

It is definitely still an issue for me, however initially reaching out for help seems to be the hardest part. Moving forward I am going to continue to utilize all the student services Queen¿¿s has to offer. I spoke with a counselor who I am going to regularly see, as well as an academic advisor, Spring Forsberg, recently who informed me about the appeal process. I told my parents and close friends what I have been struggling with and now that they are aware, they are providing a strong support system for me. I started a regular exercise routine and meal plan to feel better about myself in general. I am taking less courses this semester for less stress, as well as a larger variety to see if Economics is really what I want to pursue. I am on academic probation and by dropping these first semester courses it would give me extra time before the school evaluates if I am worthy of being here. I really want to keep improving my mental health and start on a much more successful path.