Petition Letter
My name is Matt Schafler, and I am a second year student going into third year. I am appealing the Associate Dean to waive the requirement to withdraw for the 2016/2017 academic year.
A stubborn Farmer was told his recently purchased land needed to be re-soiled. He tried for three years to grow on the soil that needed change, and for three years he yielded nothing. The fourth year, he re-soiled, and grew a bountiful crop. Almost two months ago I was in a state that needed re-soiling, in the words of my therapist (stress, anxiety and substance abuse had led to a negative outlook on life, and simply trying harder was not cutting it). My ability to concentrate on anything was heavily affected; I was unable to put in the necessary time needed to achieve success. Some days were hard to leave the room or get out of bed; the end of second year saw me failing a course, no social engagement, and required to withdraw (not in a great place mentally). Changes to my lifestyle needed to be made, including no more substances and finding someone I could trust to help me. Upon return to home back to the city, I reached out to my therapist (he helped me three years ago when my friend passed away). I also started a job at Deloitte as an intern, which was a positive aspect for the summer. A month and a half in to my new lifestyle, my job has taught me infinitely valuable knowledge concerning management of time and workloads. Deloitte has allowed me to find purpose being committed daily to meetings, research. Both my job and two summer courses ASTR 101 and RELS 131 are constructive aspects of my life. I am having sessions with my therapist every 2 weeks, and if I started to get depressed and anxious about school again, there is a great person on my side. At the end of the summer I will be finished my sessions with my therapist, and ready to actively engage in my course work at a level I have never been able to reach. Resolving the stress, anxiety and depression towards my education has become something I am honestly trying to accomplish, and I would really appreciate a second chance to be successful at Queens.
Thank you for consideration,
Matt Schafler
A stubborn Farmer was told his recently purchased land needed to be re-soiled. He tried for three years to grow on the soil that needed change, and for three years he yielded nothing. The fourth year, he re-soiled, and grew a bountiful crop. Almost two months ago I was in a state that needed re-soiling, in the words of my therapist (stress, anxiety and substance abuse had led to a negative outlook on life, and simply trying harder was not cutting it). My ability to concentrate on anything was heavily affected; I was unable to put in the necessary time needed to achieve success. Some days were hard to leave the room or get out of bed; the end of second year saw me failing a course, no social engagement, and required to withdraw (not in a great place mentally). Changes to my lifestyle needed to be made, including no more substances and finding someone I could trust to help me. Upon return to home back to the city, I reached out to my therapist (he helped me three years ago when my friend passed away). I also started a job at Deloitte as an intern, which was a positive aspect for the summer. A month and a half in to my new lifestyle, my job has taught me infinitely valuable knowledge concerning management of time and workloads. Deloitte has allowed me to find purpose being committed daily to meetings, research. Both my job and two summer courses ASTR 101 and RELS 131 are constructive aspects of my life. I am having sessions with my therapist every 2 weeks, and if I started to get depressed and anxious about school again, there is a great person on my side. At the end of the summer I will be finished my sessions with my therapist, and ready to actively engage in my course work at a level I have never been able to reach. Resolving the stress, anxiety and depression towards my education has become something I am honestly trying to accomplish, and I would really appreciate a second chance to be successful at Queens.
Thank you for consideration,
Matt Schafler