Petition Letter
Dear Appeal & Petition team,
I am sorry to bother you.
My name is Sunny Zhang, and my Student ID is 20111649. I would like to get a retroactive (late) withdrawal from the STAT 252 course I took between September 2022 and late December 2022. I unfortunately received an “F.” I am close to graduating. Late withdrawing from this course is essential for me to complete my degree requirements on time.
Below, I will explain in detail why I could not perform adequately. And why I am only submitting this request now. Thank you for your understanding.
Reason 1: Illness of grandmother
In 2022, my grandmother experienced the urgent and life-threatening medical issues. It severely impacted my ability to focus on my studies. Everything began on October 19, 2022. She suddenly developed atrial fibrillation. Ans she was rushed to the hospital for the emergency. Her condition was so severe that she slipped into a near-comatose state. It was prompting the doctors to warn my family that she could go into cardiac arrest at any moment. Although she survived this initial crisis through emergency treatment. Her health remained precarious. The doctors recommended she stay in the hospital for at least a month, given her extreme instability. During that time, I learned that her condition was fluctuating. She experienced multiple episodes of losing consciousness. Each one potentially fatal if her heart were to fail again.
While I was already concerned about my grandmother’s well-being in October. The situation escalated dramatically on December 11. Right as I was beginning my final exam preparations. She suffered a second cardiac arrest. She was requiring immediate admission to the ICU and leading the hospital to issue a critical condition notice. The medical team emphasized the need for an urgent coronary bypass surgery. As her life was again in imminent danger. Over those crucial days, I found myself consumed by worry and fear. News of my grandmother’s deteriorating condition left me feeling powerless and distressed.
I desperately wanted to be with her as soon as possible. Because I feared I might never have the chance to see her again. Even though I was emotionally overwhelmed every day. I often cried until my tears ran dry. I need to continue my studies in the Canada, and my grandmother has encouraged me to stay strong. The only way I can support her from a distance is by video chatting with her for an hour each day. Even if we don't speak, simply seeing her brings me comfort and lifts my spirits. I also believe that under the doctor's treatment, my grandmother's condition will get better. But I also hope you can give me some time to calm down my emotions.
I struggled with insomnia and anxiety. And I felt the sense of guilt for not being able to be with my family. The combination of impending finals and the emotional weight of my grandmother’s repeated health crises made it nearly impossible for me to study effectively. Despite my best attempts to compartmentalize my fears and concentrate on my academic responsibilities, I could not escape the pervasive stress and uncertainty surrounding her condition. As a result, my performance suffered dramatically, culminating in a failing grade.
Reasons for the Late Apply:
I recognize that one of the primary questions might be why I did not apply for a withdrawal before the official deadline. In hindsight, I can identify several factors that contributed to this delay.
First, I was uncertain about the acceptability of Chinese medical documentation. Since my grandmother was treated in local hospitals in China, most records are in Chinese. And I had no prior experience with the university’s procedures for validating international medical forms. I worried that the process would require official translations or might be rejected altogether, and this concern made me hesitate.
Second, I was dealing with immense emotional and psychological stress during the crisis. Watching my grandmother fight for her life twice, particularly in December, left me emotionally drained and unable to navigate the steps. My anxiety was compounded by the privacy my family values. We typically avoid discussing serious health matters with people outside the immediate family. It initially made me reluctant to disclose the full extent of the situation to the university. In my distressed state, I underestimated just how critical it would be to formally request help and time extensions from the institution.
Third, I did not receive my grandmother’s medical records right away. My parents were primarily focused on providing care and coordinating her treatment, so the practical task of obtaining and sharing hospital documents was delayed. Recently, I asked that my parents collect these records and send them to me. After a few months, I forgot to ask them to give me the medical records. It happened well after the official withdrawal deadlines had passed. I lacked familiarity with the relevant academic policies. Although I knew vaguely about late withdrawal course procedures.
Putting these factors together, I hope it becomes clearer why I was unable to submit my request in a timely manner. The chaotic and deeply distressing nature of my grandmother’s medical emergencies. It prevented me from handling academic formalities when they were most needed.
Future Plans:
I will ensure I stay in touch with academic advisors or student support services, especially if I sense any potential issues arising. If a serious family or health emergency arises in the future, I will promptly notify the university or relevant department. This means reaching out for a request as soon as I become aware of a potentially disruptive situation.
I will keep digital or translated copies of any relevant medical records on hand whenever possible. It will reduce delays in the event I need to provide them. I will create a detailed study schedule at the start of each term. Throughout the semester, I will set periodic checkpoints to assess my academic progress. If I fall behind or face unexpected challenges, I will consider seeking help earlier.
If I have any confusions about procedures come up, I will proactively reach out to the student office for clarification before deadlines. By integrating these strategies, I hope to ensure that personal crises, should they occur again, have a minimal impact on my academic performance.
I deeply regret that these extraordinary family emergencies prevented me from performing adequately in the course. My grandmother’s sudden and repeated cardiac arrests were entirely beyond my control. And the emotional toll was considerable. I respectfully request a retroactive (late) withdrawal from this course. And I may continue to progress toward graduation without delay. I will attach the relevant medical documentation for your review.
Thank you for considering my circumstances and for any assistance you can provide.
I am sorry to bother you.
My name is Sunny Zhang, and my Student ID is 20111649. I would like to get a retroactive (late) withdrawal from the STAT 252 course I took between September 2022 and late December 2022. I unfortunately received an “F.” I am close to graduating. Late withdrawing from this course is essential for me to complete my degree requirements on time.
Below, I will explain in detail why I could not perform adequately. And why I am only submitting this request now. Thank you for your understanding.
Reason 1: Illness of grandmother
In 2022, my grandmother experienced the urgent and life-threatening medical issues. It severely impacted my ability to focus on my studies. Everything began on October 19, 2022. She suddenly developed atrial fibrillation. Ans she was rushed to the hospital for the emergency. Her condition was so severe that she slipped into a near-comatose state. It was prompting the doctors to warn my family that she could go into cardiac arrest at any moment. Although she survived this initial crisis through emergency treatment. Her health remained precarious. The doctors recommended she stay in the hospital for at least a month, given her extreme instability. During that time, I learned that her condition was fluctuating. She experienced multiple episodes of losing consciousness. Each one potentially fatal if her heart were to fail again.
While I was already concerned about my grandmother’s well-being in October. The situation escalated dramatically on December 11. Right as I was beginning my final exam preparations. She suffered a second cardiac arrest. She was requiring immediate admission to the ICU and leading the hospital to issue a critical condition notice. The medical team emphasized the need for an urgent coronary bypass surgery. As her life was again in imminent danger. Over those crucial days, I found myself consumed by worry and fear. News of my grandmother’s deteriorating condition left me feeling powerless and distressed.
I desperately wanted to be with her as soon as possible. Because I feared I might never have the chance to see her again. Even though I was emotionally overwhelmed every day. I often cried until my tears ran dry. I need to continue my studies in the Canada, and my grandmother has encouraged me to stay strong. The only way I can support her from a distance is by video chatting with her for an hour each day. Even if we don't speak, simply seeing her brings me comfort and lifts my spirits. I also believe that under the doctor's treatment, my grandmother's condition will get better. But I also hope you can give me some time to calm down my emotions.
I struggled with insomnia and anxiety. And I felt the sense of guilt for not being able to be with my family. The combination of impending finals and the emotional weight of my grandmother’s repeated health crises made it nearly impossible for me to study effectively. Despite my best attempts to compartmentalize my fears and concentrate on my academic responsibilities, I could not escape the pervasive stress and uncertainty surrounding her condition. As a result, my performance suffered dramatically, culminating in a failing grade.
Reasons for the Late Apply:
I recognize that one of the primary questions might be why I did not apply for a withdrawal before the official deadline. In hindsight, I can identify several factors that contributed to this delay.
First, I was uncertain about the acceptability of Chinese medical documentation. Since my grandmother was treated in local hospitals in China, most records are in Chinese. And I had no prior experience with the university’s procedures for validating international medical forms. I worried that the process would require official translations or might be rejected altogether, and this concern made me hesitate.
Second, I was dealing with immense emotional and psychological stress during the crisis. Watching my grandmother fight for her life twice, particularly in December, left me emotionally drained and unable to navigate the steps. My anxiety was compounded by the privacy my family values. We typically avoid discussing serious health matters with people outside the immediate family. It initially made me reluctant to disclose the full extent of the situation to the university. In my distressed state, I underestimated just how critical it would be to formally request help and time extensions from the institution.
Third, I did not receive my grandmother’s medical records right away. My parents were primarily focused on providing care and coordinating her treatment, so the practical task of obtaining and sharing hospital documents was delayed. Recently, I asked that my parents collect these records and send them to me. After a few months, I forgot to ask them to give me the medical records. It happened well after the official withdrawal deadlines had passed. I lacked familiarity with the relevant academic policies. Although I knew vaguely about late withdrawal course procedures.
Putting these factors together, I hope it becomes clearer why I was unable to submit my request in a timely manner. The chaotic and deeply distressing nature of my grandmother’s medical emergencies. It prevented me from handling academic formalities when they were most needed.
Future Plans:
I will ensure I stay in touch with academic advisors or student support services, especially if I sense any potential issues arising. If a serious family or health emergency arises in the future, I will promptly notify the university or relevant department. This means reaching out for a request as soon as I become aware of a potentially disruptive situation.
I will keep digital or translated copies of any relevant medical records on hand whenever possible. It will reduce delays in the event I need to provide them. I will create a detailed study schedule at the start of each term. Throughout the semester, I will set periodic checkpoints to assess my academic progress. If I fall behind or face unexpected challenges, I will consider seeking help earlier.
If I have any confusions about procedures come up, I will proactively reach out to the student office for clarification before deadlines. By integrating these strategies, I hope to ensure that personal crises, should they occur again, have a minimal impact on my academic performance.
I deeply regret that these extraordinary family emergencies prevented me from performing adequately in the course. My grandmother’s sudden and repeated cardiac arrests were entirely beyond my control. And the emotional toll was considerable. I respectfully request a retroactive (late) withdrawal from this course. And I may continue to progress toward graduation without delay. I will attach the relevant medical documentation for your review.
Thank you for considering my circumstances and for any assistance you can provide.