Petition Letter
Office of the Associate Dean (Academic)
Queen’s University
June 24, 2026
Dear Dr., Naaman,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Julia Simpson, and I am a third-year Life Sciences student at Queen’s University. I am writing to you today to respectfully request an exemption from the 6.0-unit regulation for study abroad programs, specifically for an upcoming exchange at the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) for the Winter 2027 semester.
Growing up, my parents always swore I was going to enter the science field or become a lawyer. I was a fiercely independent child that loved to argue my case, was the proud owner of a Magic School Bus chemistry kit and constantly had a new detective book in my repertoire. After getting fantastic grades in high school, I entered university with the same mindset as many other Life Sciences students: medical school was the only outcome of this degree. Then first year happened. My grades began to drop, I was struggling with conceptual understanding, and I started to have the difficult feeling that maybe medical school was not feasible. Rather than allowing this to consume my life, I chose to switch gears, focus on my strengths, find a new path, and study in a way I have never before. Queen’s University forced me to redefine the meaning of success and rather than allowing setbacks determine my academic confidence, I redesigned my study habits, developed alternative approaches when understanding complex concepts, and established improved discipline needed to succeed in this environment. These alterations ultimately allowed me to complete the Winter 2026 semester with near straight A’s. My academic journey thus far has taught me that success is not solely defined by following a predetermined plan, but rather the resilience to adapt, grow, and pursue new opportunities with strong determination. Whether in law, pharmacy, or forensic science as my new possible paths, I aim to bring the same fascination, leadership, communication, and perseverance that has shaped my academic, professional, and personal experiences, while using every challenge as motivation to continue learning rather than a setback. As a Life Sciences major hoping to delve into a science or legal career, expanding my horizons regarding cultural differences between my peers and future clientele is vital. Having the chance to enter a society unlike my own will aid me in further pushing myself outside my comfort zone to explore social communication differences, varying scientific practices, and altered academic expectations. Overall, a unique experience such as this, will help break the norms I am accustomed to and aid in future preparation for communicative and thoughtful client interactions with a newfound social awareness.
As I continue to explore the intersection between fields of science and law through analytical investigation, studying abroad would reflect more than just an academic opportunity. While I completely understand the regulation limiting students to 6.0 units abroad, I personally believe that this restriction would prevent me from benefiting from a rare academic opportunity to challenge myself in a new environment, broaden my global and cultural perspectives, and further develop the adaptability that has already shaped my university experience. This study abroad opportunity presents a unique chance to not only further my passion for science by taking courses that would aid in my degree completion but also allow me to learn about other subjects that I could not explore to the same degree at Queen’s University. Pending the final release of the UB Winter 2027 course catalog, I currently plan to take Design and Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules, Genetic Disorders, Applied Immunology, European Union Law, and Criminal Typology. I hope to immerse myself within a culture unlike my own, learn from new and diverse academic perspectives and return to Queen’s University with a new and alternative understanding of not only my potential as a student, but as a person.
I appreciate your time and consideration of my request of respectfully inquiring for an exemption to the 6.0-unit regulation so that I may fully pursue this rare academic opportunity at UB. I believe that taking additional courses will further enrich my academic journey in a new way and continue to broaden my global and personal perspectives. Thank you for your time and I wish you an amazing summer.
Sincerely,
Julia Simpson
Queen’s University
June 24, 2026
Dear Dr., Naaman,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Julia Simpson, and I am a third-year Life Sciences student at Queen’s University. I am writing to you today to respectfully request an exemption from the 6.0-unit regulation for study abroad programs, specifically for an upcoming exchange at the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) for the Winter 2027 semester.
Growing up, my parents always swore I was going to enter the science field or become a lawyer. I was a fiercely independent child that loved to argue my case, was the proud owner of a Magic School Bus chemistry kit and constantly had a new detective book in my repertoire. After getting fantastic grades in high school, I entered university with the same mindset as many other Life Sciences students: medical school was the only outcome of this degree. Then first year happened. My grades began to drop, I was struggling with conceptual understanding, and I started to have the difficult feeling that maybe medical school was not feasible. Rather than allowing this to consume my life, I chose to switch gears, focus on my strengths, find a new path, and study in a way I have never before. Queen’s University forced me to redefine the meaning of success and rather than allowing setbacks determine my academic confidence, I redesigned my study habits, developed alternative approaches when understanding complex concepts, and established improved discipline needed to succeed in this environment. These alterations ultimately allowed me to complete the Winter 2026 semester with near straight A’s. My academic journey thus far has taught me that success is not solely defined by following a predetermined plan, but rather the resilience to adapt, grow, and pursue new opportunities with strong determination. Whether in law, pharmacy, or forensic science as my new possible paths, I aim to bring the same fascination, leadership, communication, and perseverance that has shaped my academic, professional, and personal experiences, while using every challenge as motivation to continue learning rather than a setback. As a Life Sciences major hoping to delve into a science or legal career, expanding my horizons regarding cultural differences between my peers and future clientele is vital. Having the chance to enter a society unlike my own will aid me in further pushing myself outside my comfort zone to explore social communication differences, varying scientific practices, and altered academic expectations. Overall, a unique experience such as this, will help break the norms I am accustomed to and aid in future preparation for communicative and thoughtful client interactions with a newfound social awareness.
As I continue to explore the intersection between fields of science and law through analytical investigation, studying abroad would reflect more than just an academic opportunity. While I completely understand the regulation limiting students to 6.0 units abroad, I personally believe that this restriction would prevent me from benefiting from a rare academic opportunity to challenge myself in a new environment, broaden my global and cultural perspectives, and further develop the adaptability that has already shaped my university experience. This study abroad opportunity presents a unique chance to not only further my passion for science by taking courses that would aid in my degree completion but also allow me to learn about other subjects that I could not explore to the same degree at Queen’s University. Pending the final release of the UB Winter 2027 course catalog, I currently plan to take Design and Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules, Genetic Disorders, Applied Immunology, European Union Law, and Criminal Typology. I hope to immerse myself within a culture unlike my own, learn from new and diverse academic perspectives and return to Queen’s University with a new and alternative understanding of not only my potential as a student, but as a person.
I appreciate your time and consideration of my request of respectfully inquiring for an exemption to the 6.0-unit regulation so that I may fully pursue this rare academic opportunity at UB. I believe that taking additional courses will further enrich my academic journey in a new way and continue to broaden my global and personal perspectives. Thank you for your time and I wish you an amazing summer.
Sincerely,
Julia Simpson