Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Hi, my name is Nathaniel and I am writing this letter to explain the extenuating circumstances that have affected me and hurt my ability to perform academically. I am appealing to drop 3 courses Econ 212, 250, and 222.
In the first month of school last year, I injured my back terribly with a herniated disk. This injury being physical also affected me mentally, as I lost the game of basketball (form of therapy for me) and a spot on the team (a goal of mine I was working for the last 6 years). This injury did not allow me to sit (I was physically unable to sit in a chair and do work the pain was so bad, this has been going on and off until March 2022) and move the way I used to. I entered a state of depression and was no longer the same me, over the next two year I stopped working out and eating, I lost 30lb+ to this day. I did not see the purpose in going to school, but I stayed enrolled and went through the motion. I did this because I have two younger brothers I wanted to set a good example for. Later, that year I lost my godfather and cousin/best friend. This along with my injury and no way of dealing with my stress, sadness, and depression, I started using weed to cope. This only took more time and effort away from my studies. Coming into this school year I was hoping to do a lot better but in October my girlfriend of 3 years broke up with me, took our dog we bought together and moved out of the country. This was my lowest point, I lost my dog and the only person I could talk to about my issues, I began questioning life and my worth, and school, I was to sad and to depressed to focus on school. However, I continued to try. Studying from home was doing slightly better in school being around my family, then classes moved from online to in-person almost out of nowhere. My professors stopped posting content and lectures online, and with no Kingston home I was forced to teach myself through the textbook as best I could.

Now I am in better place, I have stopped smoking and started building a positive image of myself. My back is healing, and I am working on dealing with the death of my family members, I have stopped thinking, am I next? and started valuing life and living for them. I am ready to be present in Kingston next year and get the most out of Queens University.