Petition Letter
To whom it may concern,
Last October 31 I obtained a concussion while participating in the sport of Rugby. I received a kick from a ball within two feet of where the kicker kicked it. I was knocked out on the spot and all I can tell you is that I woke up in the hospital some time later. I was told I was taken off by two EMT's at Nixon on that date. Nevertheless, we are super fortunate to have Dr. O'Connor at Queen's and his staff. I went for some tests and to see him and he told me my concussion was serious enough to stop my academic work. I followed up with my various professors and set a timeline how I can obtain the credits. THroughout the next months of November, December, January, February and March I powered through my concussion, thinking I can obtain my credits.
Concussions are as I have learnt a serious danger to your mental and physical health. Throughout my recovery and today I felt drowsy, received very painful migraines and poor sleep. I could not concentrate on work for more than 20 minutes. In December when I attempted to study for my STATS 263, I could barely write the final exam because my mind could not adjust to the small numbers. Overall, my symptoms clearly impeding me from excelling in my academic semesters. The concussion directly affected my study habits and my memory leading me I believe to fail these three listed courses. I would spend three times as much time as I would usually on school work. School work literally took over my life because I failed to accept that I needed to take a step back because of this medical condition.
It was serious enough to impact my ability to concentrate, remember key information and had an emotional effect on my life. I couldn't sit in rooms for a long time with artificial light.
I hope this gives you a broad picture of my situation.
Kind regards,
Andrew Gardiner
Last October 31 I obtained a concussion while participating in the sport of Rugby. I received a kick from a ball within two feet of where the kicker kicked it. I was knocked out on the spot and all I can tell you is that I woke up in the hospital some time later. I was told I was taken off by two EMT's at Nixon on that date. Nevertheless, we are super fortunate to have Dr. O'Connor at Queen's and his staff. I went for some tests and to see him and he told me my concussion was serious enough to stop my academic work. I followed up with my various professors and set a timeline how I can obtain the credits. THroughout the next months of November, December, January, February and March I powered through my concussion, thinking I can obtain my credits.
Concussions are as I have learnt a serious danger to your mental and physical health. Throughout my recovery and today I felt drowsy, received very painful migraines and poor sleep. I could not concentrate on work for more than 20 minutes. In December when I attempted to study for my STATS 263, I could barely write the final exam because my mind could not adjust to the small numbers. Overall, my symptoms clearly impeding me from excelling in my academic semesters. The concussion directly affected my study habits and my memory leading me I believe to fail these three listed courses. I would spend three times as much time as I would usually on school work. School work literally took over my life because I failed to accept that I needed to take a step back because of this medical condition.
It was serious enough to impact my ability to concentrate, remember key information and had an emotional effect on my life. I couldn't sit in rooms for a long time with artificial light.
I hope this gives you a broad picture of my situation.
Kind regards,
Andrew Gardiner