Petition Letter
Dear Members of the Office of the Registrar,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request an exception to the one-year withdrawal from Queen's University, which I initiated due to personal reasons beyond my control. I understand the gravity of this request and wish to provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances that led to my withdrawal.
A year ago, I made the decision to pursue higher education at Queen's University, a decision I believed would be both academically and personally enriching. However, this journey has presented unforeseen challenges that have significantly impacted my ability to perform academically and maintain my overall well-being.
The primary factor contributing to my academic struggles was the abrupt change in my living environment. I moved from my parents' home in Egypt to live alone in Canada, a transition that proved to be overwhelming. This dramatic shift in my daily life, culture, and support system had a profound effect on my mental health. I began experiencing severe anxiety issues that escalated to the point where I was unable to manage my academic responsibilities effectively.
My anxiety reached a level where I was too frightened to seek help or even open my emails. The mere sight of assignments and academic obligations triggered panic attacks, leaving me feeling incapacitated and unable to reach out for assistance. Additionally, cultural norms in Egypt made it challenging for me to admit my struggles or seek professional help, as there is a stigma surrounding mental health that discourages individuals from acknowledging their difficulties or seeking therapy. I feared appearing weak and admitting that I had failed.
After extensive self-reflection and a period of self-imposed isolation, I have come to realize that seeking help and support is not a sign of weakness but a crucial step toward achieving success in both my academic and personal life. It is with this newfound understanding that I am humbly petitioning for an exception to my one-year withdrawal from Queen's University.
If my petition is granted, I am fully committed to taking proactive steps to address my mental health challenges and improve my academic performance. Specifically, I plan to consult with a therapist and an academic advisor on a weekly basis to ensure that I have the necessary tools and support to excel at Queen's University.
I must also share that my parents have sent me back to Egypt, and they are willing to send me back to Canada only if this petition is approved. Unfortunately, my parents do not believe in the importance of therapy or mental health support, and I am unable to consult a doctor without their permission in Egypt. Therefore, my return to Canada is contingent upon your understanding and consideration of my circumstances.
In closing, I want to emphasize that my top priority is to succeed at Queen's University and make the most of this valuable educational opportunity. I genuinely believe that, with the right support and resources, I can overcome the challenges I have faced and achieve my academic goals.
I kindly request that you review my petition with compassion and understanding. I am more than willing to provide any additional documentation or information if required. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated, and I am eager to resume my studies and seek the help I need as soon as possible.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Yasseen Madi
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request an exception to the one-year withdrawal from Queen's University, which I initiated due to personal reasons beyond my control. I understand the gravity of this request and wish to provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances that led to my withdrawal.
A year ago, I made the decision to pursue higher education at Queen's University, a decision I believed would be both academically and personally enriching. However, this journey has presented unforeseen challenges that have significantly impacted my ability to perform academically and maintain my overall well-being.
The primary factor contributing to my academic struggles was the abrupt change in my living environment. I moved from my parents' home in Egypt to live alone in Canada, a transition that proved to be overwhelming. This dramatic shift in my daily life, culture, and support system had a profound effect on my mental health. I began experiencing severe anxiety issues that escalated to the point where I was unable to manage my academic responsibilities effectively.
My anxiety reached a level where I was too frightened to seek help or even open my emails. The mere sight of assignments and academic obligations triggered panic attacks, leaving me feeling incapacitated and unable to reach out for assistance. Additionally, cultural norms in Egypt made it challenging for me to admit my struggles or seek professional help, as there is a stigma surrounding mental health that discourages individuals from acknowledging their difficulties or seeking therapy. I feared appearing weak and admitting that I had failed.
After extensive self-reflection and a period of self-imposed isolation, I have come to realize that seeking help and support is not a sign of weakness but a crucial step toward achieving success in both my academic and personal life. It is with this newfound understanding that I am humbly petitioning for an exception to my one-year withdrawal from Queen's University.
If my petition is granted, I am fully committed to taking proactive steps to address my mental health challenges and improve my academic performance. Specifically, I plan to consult with a therapist and an academic advisor on a weekly basis to ensure that I have the necessary tools and support to excel at Queen's University.
I must also share that my parents have sent me back to Egypt, and they are willing to send me back to Canada only if this petition is approved. Unfortunately, my parents do not believe in the importance of therapy or mental health support, and I am unable to consult a doctor without their permission in Egypt. Therefore, my return to Canada is contingent upon your understanding and consideration of my circumstances.
In closing, I want to emphasize that my top priority is to succeed at Queen's University and make the most of this valuable educational opportunity. I genuinely believe that, with the right support and resources, I can overcome the challenges I have faced and achieve my academic goals.
I kindly request that you review my petition with compassion and understanding. I am more than willing to provide any additional documentation or information if required. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated, and I am eager to resume my studies and seek the help I need as soon as possible.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Yasseen Madi