Petition Letter
To the Academic Associate Dean,
I am writing to formally request the review and reconsideration of my academic record for the Fall 2022 semester. Specifically, I am petitioning to have three failed courses (HIST 282, 283, FREN 230) expunged from my transcript and changed to DR, and for one course (FREN 241) to be changed to CR status. I believe that the circumstances surrounding this period were exceptional and beyond my control, significantly impacting my academic performance.
The fall of 2022 marked a particularly challenging period in my life, culminating in the lowest point I have experienced thus far. At the time, I was in a toxic relationship that demanded a significant emotional toll. My then-boyfriend, grappling with numerous personal issues, relied heavily on me for support and care from September until December. This co-dependency, coupled with our shared struggles with mental health – his depression and my long-standing anxiety – created an overwhelming environment that adversely affected both my personal and academic life.
My upbringing, characterized by refugee parents from Sri Lanka, instilled in me a reluctance to address mental health issues openly. This mindset was exacerbated during my high school years when my older sister faced severe depression and suicidal tendencies. Witnessing the profound impact on my family, who struggled to comprehend and cope with mental health challenges, I resolved to shield them from any additional burden. Consequently, when confronted with my own anxiety during the fall of 2022, I subconsciously suppressed it.
Additionally, the transition from on-campus residence life, marked by a strong sense of community, to an isolated off-campus apartment further isolated me. The pandemic had disrupted the close-knit friendships I forged in my first year, leaving me feeling lonely and disconnected.
Moreover, familial changes compounded my challenges. My sister's relocation to California in August, coupled with my parents' ongoing marital issues all throughout the semester, and other personal family issues left me feeling more homesick than ever. The inability to provide in-person support to my family, residing three hours away, added to the emotional strain I was experiencing.
During this tumultuous period, I did not seek professional help for my mental health struggles, as I was in denial and prioritized assisting my partner over self-care. Reflecting on this now, I understand the importance of addressing one's mental well-being before attempting to support others effectively.
While undergoing these challenges, I persevered in my academic pursuits, initially confident in my ability to manage the difficulties. Regrettably, my optimism proved unfounded as my mental health and personal issues deteriorated, impeding my academic performance. As a result of my anxiety, I was having trouble sleeping, having headaches, feeling dizzy and fatigues in the mornings, shaky hands, etc. These physical symptoms I was experiencing made it very difficult for me to attend my morning classes and my professor’s office hours. In addition, when I did attend my classes or was working on assignments or studying for tests, I had difficulty focusing. In December of 2022, while stressed with finals, my partner at the time decided to end our relationship. This affected me very deeply since it was a longterm serious relationship, and the breakup blindsided me. I had once again lost a huge part of my support system.
Notably, the impact on my academic performance was most evident in HIST 320, a full-year course. Despite faltering in the first semester, I managed to salvage the course in the subsequent term. I acknowledge the importance of this course in my academic journey and took proactive measures to rectify the situation, ensuring a successful completion in the second semester.
Moving forward, I am committed to implementing a comprehensive plan to address my mental health, organizational skills, and overall well-being. Recognizing the need for a more structured support system, I plan to engage with resources such as student counseling services, academic advisors, and peer mentoring programs. Additionally, I am exploring strategies to rebuild my social connections and regain a sense of community to bolster my mental resilience.
In conclusion, I humbly request your understanding and compassion in considering my petition. I believe that the extenuating circumstances I faced during the fall of 2022 significantly impacted my academic performance, and I am dedicated to implementing measures to ensure a marked improvement in the upcoming semesters.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warm regards,
Apisha Mahenthirarajan
20284553
I am writing to formally request the review and reconsideration of my academic record for the Fall 2022 semester. Specifically, I am petitioning to have three failed courses (HIST 282, 283, FREN 230) expunged from my transcript and changed to DR, and for one course (FREN 241) to be changed to CR status. I believe that the circumstances surrounding this period were exceptional and beyond my control, significantly impacting my academic performance.
The fall of 2022 marked a particularly challenging period in my life, culminating in the lowest point I have experienced thus far. At the time, I was in a toxic relationship that demanded a significant emotional toll. My then-boyfriend, grappling with numerous personal issues, relied heavily on me for support and care from September until December. This co-dependency, coupled with our shared struggles with mental health – his depression and my long-standing anxiety – created an overwhelming environment that adversely affected both my personal and academic life.
My upbringing, characterized by refugee parents from Sri Lanka, instilled in me a reluctance to address mental health issues openly. This mindset was exacerbated during my high school years when my older sister faced severe depression and suicidal tendencies. Witnessing the profound impact on my family, who struggled to comprehend and cope with mental health challenges, I resolved to shield them from any additional burden. Consequently, when confronted with my own anxiety during the fall of 2022, I subconsciously suppressed it.
Additionally, the transition from on-campus residence life, marked by a strong sense of community, to an isolated off-campus apartment further isolated me. The pandemic had disrupted the close-knit friendships I forged in my first year, leaving me feeling lonely and disconnected.
Moreover, familial changes compounded my challenges. My sister's relocation to California in August, coupled with my parents' ongoing marital issues all throughout the semester, and other personal family issues left me feeling more homesick than ever. The inability to provide in-person support to my family, residing three hours away, added to the emotional strain I was experiencing.
During this tumultuous period, I did not seek professional help for my mental health struggles, as I was in denial and prioritized assisting my partner over self-care. Reflecting on this now, I understand the importance of addressing one's mental well-being before attempting to support others effectively.
While undergoing these challenges, I persevered in my academic pursuits, initially confident in my ability to manage the difficulties. Regrettably, my optimism proved unfounded as my mental health and personal issues deteriorated, impeding my academic performance. As a result of my anxiety, I was having trouble sleeping, having headaches, feeling dizzy and fatigues in the mornings, shaky hands, etc. These physical symptoms I was experiencing made it very difficult for me to attend my morning classes and my professor’s office hours. In addition, when I did attend my classes or was working on assignments or studying for tests, I had difficulty focusing. In December of 2022, while stressed with finals, my partner at the time decided to end our relationship. This affected me very deeply since it was a longterm serious relationship, and the breakup blindsided me. I had once again lost a huge part of my support system.
Notably, the impact on my academic performance was most evident in HIST 320, a full-year course. Despite faltering in the first semester, I managed to salvage the course in the subsequent term. I acknowledge the importance of this course in my academic journey and took proactive measures to rectify the situation, ensuring a successful completion in the second semester.
Moving forward, I am committed to implementing a comprehensive plan to address my mental health, organizational skills, and overall well-being. Recognizing the need for a more structured support system, I plan to engage with resources such as student counseling services, academic advisors, and peer mentoring programs. Additionally, I am exploring strategies to rebuild my social connections and regain a sense of community to bolster my mental resilience.
In conclusion, I humbly request your understanding and compassion in considering my petition. I believe that the extenuating circumstances I faced during the fall of 2022 significantly impacted my academic performance, and I am dedicated to implementing measures to ensure a marked improvement in the upcoming semesters.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warm regards,
Apisha Mahenthirarajan
20284553