Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to appeal my grades from first and second year: BIO 111; GNDS 125 (1st Year); HLTH 101 (1ST & 2ND year); HLTH 230; PSYCH 100; and STAT 263. I realize the severity of my request. However, I believe that the grades on my transcript are in no way a reflection of my abilities, but rather an outcome of in insinuating circumstances that were beyond my control. I have finally gained the courage and ability to take the steps in recovering, and I believe is the next step towards my goals. In my file is a letter from Carole- Anne Vatcher from La Salle counselling services.

Having attended the same small conservative Christian school for the last 12 years of my academic life, the transition to Queen¿¿s has been very difficult. During my first year I realized how difficult it is for me to be around large groups of people, and as a result barely left my dorm room. Even resorting to skipping meals to avoid confrontation. My grades suffered, because of this, which was very difficult because being a straight A student for most of my life. I believe that I began being depressed at 14, but mitigated these thoughts through sports and dance with people I grew up with. However, coming to Queen¿¿s and being in an environment that I am not familiar with, pursuing my interests was out of the question. Amongst this, Typhoon Haiyan had also hit the Philippines and unfortunately as a result I lost my uncle. My grandmother¿¿s home was destroyed and had become critically ill. My father who lives overseas in Singapore, was suffering from situational depression due to the loss of his brother and my grandmother¿¿s illness. Amongst all of this, my parents finally filed that they were separated which was a critical and emotional step in their relationship. I myself was also in a long distance relationship with my boyfriend of 4 years, and his parents were suffering their own obstacles. As a result of that year, I was put on Academic Probation.

I hoped that the fall semester of my second year would be better than my first year of university, but unfortunately I was wrong. I was still very depressed and suicidal. I was with a housemate that forced me into situations that were not ideal and considerate of my boundaries. I was unable to sleep for most days. My parents and significant other had no idea about my suicidal tendencies. My grandmother, was still in critical care. As a result my mental health suffered tremendously, and my grades continued to drop.

However, recently, I finally got the help I needed for a very long time. I reached out to a counsellor and finally opened up to my parents about depression. I am finally receiving medical treatment I needed for a long time and I am on medication. I have no intention of stopping treatment. I have gained the strong support system I needed, but never reached out for. I am moving out of my current housing situation with friends that understand my situation and have been a strong support system here at Queen¿¿s. I am starting to attempt activities that I once pursued in High School. I finally have drive once again, and I am so thankful that I have reached out and received the help I needed. I am especially thankful for the resources at Queen¿¿s that have helped me through this chapter in my life. Although I have suffered from circumstances that were beyond my control, I feel that I am taking the steps to recovery. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Eden Beronio