Petition Letter
June 14, 2016
Dear Associate Dean (Studies),
I am appealing the Faculty's decision that I must withdraw from Queen's for a minimum of one year.
I have been experiencing extenuating circumstances, beyond my control, which has led to my poor academic performance at Queen's. I suffer from debilitating anxiety and depression, which was drastically increased starting June of 2015 to December 2015, where I was a survivor of an emotionally abusive relationship. My anxiety and depression continued to increase exponentially following the end of this relationship, from January until today. I was unable to attend classes, and had extreme trouble focusing on studying, because I was unable to control my mental health. In most of my classes, I found it extremely difficult submitting assignments by their due dates, seeing as my anxiety would overwhelm me. I did not have the strength, both physically and mentally to exert the effort to complete the assignments. I also had extreme troubles focusing on course content. As a result, my final grade was heavily dependent on succeeding on my final exams for each course; However, I ended up becoming overwhelmed, and unable to focus completely because of my extenuating circumstances.
During this time, I avoided acknowledging my mental health issues, because I was in denial and felt embarrassed that I allowed this situation into my life. I isolated myself from my friends and family, and ignored seeking help when I needed it the most. I finally sought out professional help, starting May 2016, by seeing psychologist Dr. Connie Wong in Toronto, ON. During our sessions, I have started Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to work on managing my anxiety and depression. I have also moved in with family in the countryside, to focus on my mental health; I will be beginning future treatment with a Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Reside, to aid in my fight against anxiety, as well as act as a personal advisor. Other efforts to manage my mental health, include mindful meditation and the practice of yoga, which I began early May 2016 as well.
Should my appeal be accepted, I plan to take a lighter course load to work towards graduation, while also meeting with both my psychologist and my naturopathic doctor regularly, to ensure that I stay on the right path to cope with my mental health issues. Additionally, I will continue to practice mindful meditation and yoga, to promote a healthy mind and body. I have also completed a 'Study Skills Course' to improve my study habits and gain better knowledge on how to effectively and successfully complete the courses I am in. By meeting with both health care professionals, and acknowledging my mental health issues, I will be in a better state of mind to complete my courses and raise my GPA. My main goal is to graduate this next year, as I am nearing the end of my degree and I am more motivated than ever to complete this chapter in my life in a positive state of mind.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my appeal.
Sincerely,
Taylor Gavin
10008106
Dear Associate Dean (Studies),
I am appealing the Faculty's decision that I must withdraw from Queen's for a minimum of one year.
I have been experiencing extenuating circumstances, beyond my control, which has led to my poor academic performance at Queen's. I suffer from debilitating anxiety and depression, which was drastically increased starting June of 2015 to December 2015, where I was a survivor of an emotionally abusive relationship. My anxiety and depression continued to increase exponentially following the end of this relationship, from January until today. I was unable to attend classes, and had extreme trouble focusing on studying, because I was unable to control my mental health. In most of my classes, I found it extremely difficult submitting assignments by their due dates, seeing as my anxiety would overwhelm me. I did not have the strength, both physically and mentally to exert the effort to complete the assignments. I also had extreme troubles focusing on course content. As a result, my final grade was heavily dependent on succeeding on my final exams for each course; However, I ended up becoming overwhelmed, and unable to focus completely because of my extenuating circumstances.
During this time, I avoided acknowledging my mental health issues, because I was in denial and felt embarrassed that I allowed this situation into my life. I isolated myself from my friends and family, and ignored seeking help when I needed it the most. I finally sought out professional help, starting May 2016, by seeing psychologist Dr. Connie Wong in Toronto, ON. During our sessions, I have started Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to work on managing my anxiety and depression. I have also moved in with family in the countryside, to focus on my mental health; I will be beginning future treatment with a Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Reside, to aid in my fight against anxiety, as well as act as a personal advisor. Other efforts to manage my mental health, include mindful meditation and the practice of yoga, which I began early May 2016 as well.
Should my appeal be accepted, I plan to take a lighter course load to work towards graduation, while also meeting with both my psychologist and my naturopathic doctor regularly, to ensure that I stay on the right path to cope with my mental health issues. Additionally, I will continue to practice mindful meditation and yoga, to promote a healthy mind and body. I have also completed a 'Study Skills Course' to improve my study habits and gain better knowledge on how to effectively and successfully complete the courses I am in. By meeting with both health care professionals, and acknowledging my mental health issues, I will be in a better state of mind to complete my courses and raise my GPA. My main goal is to graduate this next year, as I am nearing the end of my degree and I am more motivated than ever to complete this chapter in my life in a positive state of mind.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my appeal.
Sincerely,
Taylor Gavin
10008106