Petition Letter
Jacob Clark Roberts
10146474
13jcr10@queensu.ca
Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to you at this time to request a CR appeal for GEOL 232 (Fall 2015), BIOL 102 (Fall 2015), CLST 203 (Winter 2016). I am also requesting an appeal to drop BIOL 103 (Winter 2016), GEOL 238 (Winter 2016), and STAT 263 (Winter 2016) as I have passed the deadline.
I am unfortunately making this appeal due to extenuating psychological difficulties that have proven beyond my control. The major trigger causing this issue was the challenging transition from a supportive residence in first year to an autonomous lifestyle in a house during second year. This difficult transition paired with unwillingness and feelings of unachievable goals prevented me from attainting sufficient grades in very challenging subjects. This conflict was never addressed and I unfortunately did not seek appropriate measures to combat the issue in the early part of the year. Deleterious effects were felt in fall semester (2015) then spiraled downwards in the winter semester (2016). While living in my house, insurmountable distractions and a lack of motivation prevented me from taking steps to curb this issue and ask for help. While transitioning from high school to university was a huge personal leap, I believe I managed it quite well in the structured and supportive residence environment. During my first year at Queen's, I was able to focus and study, write essays, complete all tests and examinations with good academic standing.
From the initial transition into my house in September, I had already felt overwhelmed by specifically GEOL 232 and BIOL 102. The underlying overwhelming feeling and shock of moving created a permanent psyche: lacking an ability to achieve success. The fall semester presented courses (BIOL, GEOL) that I disliked and was not prepared for, as they were too challenging. As the second semester began, the severity increased, and my desires quickly exasperated. This psychological condition poised a risk to even more challenging courses (STAT, BIOL, GEOL) and I personally felt desperate and lost. Throughout this semester I did attend all lectures and labs, however did not feel prepared for the difficult material or focus to succeed and push myself forwards. Specifically, the exams and tests were the most serious issues, proving to be the most overwhelming. At the end of the winter semester I had all of these conditions piled upon me, with a lack of strategies to get through studying exams. The lack of concentration, perseverance and drive prevented me from even trying to succeed during the finals. I did not even take steps forward to combat this negative energy and attitude with services at Queen's because I felt afraid and hopeless.
My academic plan will include a revision to courses, course load, a change in study habits and continued personal therapy. I have decided to change my minor from geology to geography as I found it too difficult. I plan on taking four courses instead of five so I can focus on new learning strategies. Changing my study habits will require a profound shift in my lifestyle and this is possible by seeking out help. I have met with a counselor at learning strategies to discuss immediate plans and strategies for success in third year. Firstly, I need to have a realist goal and plan, which includes a shift in my lifestyle and study habits. I need to be organized and prepared, and am also working incredibly hard on asking for help and managing my perfectionist approach. In addition, I have been seeking out the help of a social worker through cognitive behavioral therapy; discussing my own personal thoughts and belief systems. This has proven to be very useful in diving into finding the root cause of my psychological troubles, through a non-judgmental and gradual manner. I plan on continuing therapy in Kingston this fall. I am also engaged in vocational and career counseling with JVS. This counseling is helping me discover my interests, set goals, and create an organized plan for next year. I have been working very hard to develop a different mentality. I realize I need to create a detailed schedule for myself, change my work environment and set up regular check in's with my supports. I plan on keeping in personal contact with my professors and to fully understand the course expectations. Finally, I have friends who are successful and motivated people who I can confide and learn from. Their trust and comfort will become a support for my success. The current circumstances have gradually improved through the services I have sought out, however these strategies must be in place to succeed in third year. I believe with my deepening understanding of my recent academic and psychological difficulties, pursuing specific academic support and strategies with professional academic and peer assistance will allow me to attain my academic goals at Queen's.
Your consideration in my appeal is deeply appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
Jacob Clark Roberts
10146474
13jcr10@queensu.ca
Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to you at this time to request a CR appeal for GEOL 232 (Fall 2015), BIOL 102 (Fall 2015), CLST 203 (Winter 2016). I am also requesting an appeal to drop BIOL 103 (Winter 2016), GEOL 238 (Winter 2016), and STAT 263 (Winter 2016) as I have passed the deadline.
I am unfortunately making this appeal due to extenuating psychological difficulties that have proven beyond my control. The major trigger causing this issue was the challenging transition from a supportive residence in first year to an autonomous lifestyle in a house during second year. This difficult transition paired with unwillingness and feelings of unachievable goals prevented me from attainting sufficient grades in very challenging subjects. This conflict was never addressed and I unfortunately did not seek appropriate measures to combat the issue in the early part of the year. Deleterious effects were felt in fall semester (2015) then spiraled downwards in the winter semester (2016). While living in my house, insurmountable distractions and a lack of motivation prevented me from taking steps to curb this issue and ask for help. While transitioning from high school to university was a huge personal leap, I believe I managed it quite well in the structured and supportive residence environment. During my first year at Queen's, I was able to focus and study, write essays, complete all tests and examinations with good academic standing.
From the initial transition into my house in September, I had already felt overwhelmed by specifically GEOL 232 and BIOL 102. The underlying overwhelming feeling and shock of moving created a permanent psyche: lacking an ability to achieve success. The fall semester presented courses (BIOL, GEOL) that I disliked and was not prepared for, as they were too challenging. As the second semester began, the severity increased, and my desires quickly exasperated. This psychological condition poised a risk to even more challenging courses (STAT, BIOL, GEOL) and I personally felt desperate and lost. Throughout this semester I did attend all lectures and labs, however did not feel prepared for the difficult material or focus to succeed and push myself forwards. Specifically, the exams and tests were the most serious issues, proving to be the most overwhelming. At the end of the winter semester I had all of these conditions piled upon me, with a lack of strategies to get through studying exams. The lack of concentration, perseverance and drive prevented me from even trying to succeed during the finals. I did not even take steps forward to combat this negative energy and attitude with services at Queen's because I felt afraid and hopeless.
My academic plan will include a revision to courses, course load, a change in study habits and continued personal therapy. I have decided to change my minor from geology to geography as I found it too difficult. I plan on taking four courses instead of five so I can focus on new learning strategies. Changing my study habits will require a profound shift in my lifestyle and this is possible by seeking out help. I have met with a counselor at learning strategies to discuss immediate plans and strategies for success in third year. Firstly, I need to have a realist goal and plan, which includes a shift in my lifestyle and study habits. I need to be organized and prepared, and am also working incredibly hard on asking for help and managing my perfectionist approach. In addition, I have been seeking out the help of a social worker through cognitive behavioral therapy; discussing my own personal thoughts and belief systems. This has proven to be very useful in diving into finding the root cause of my psychological troubles, through a non-judgmental and gradual manner. I plan on continuing therapy in Kingston this fall. I am also engaged in vocational and career counseling with JVS. This counseling is helping me discover my interests, set goals, and create an organized plan for next year. I have been working very hard to develop a different mentality. I realize I need to create a detailed schedule for myself, change my work environment and set up regular check in's with my supports. I plan on keeping in personal contact with my professors and to fully understand the course expectations. Finally, I have friends who are successful and motivated people who I can confide and learn from. Their trust and comfort will become a support for my success. The current circumstances have gradually improved through the services I have sought out, however these strategies must be in place to succeed in third year. I believe with my deepening understanding of my recent academic and psychological difficulties, pursuing specific academic support and strategies with professional academic and peer assistance will allow me to attain my academic goals at Queen's.
Your consideration in my appeal is deeply appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
Jacob Clark Roberts