Petition Letter
Dear Arts & Science Associate Dean,
My name is Michael Patenaude, a second year student currently pursuing a major in Geography in the Faculty of Arts & Science. On October 16th, 2014, I scheduled an appointment to meet with Academic Advisor Cindy Butts to discuss my future at Queen¿¿s University. Though our meeting was brief, it was highly enlightening due to her helpful nature and deep understanding of my situation. Given all the available information, Ms. Butts suggested I submit this appeal to assist with my transition from my current program into Geology.
Over the course of my first year at Queen¿¿s, I suffered with undiagnosed depression which directly impacted and influenced my otherwise passionate desire for academic success. The terrible truth is, that despite the help of my friends and family over the past year, I have only sought external assistance in recent weeks. This is a difficult topic to discuss, since it puts me in a vulnerable position where I would rather no one know about this issue. I have nonetheless come to the realization that I must be as proactive as possible to get better and take the necessary steps to regain what I have lost. My academic performance, among certain personal aspects, suffered greatly during these terrible months resulting in having failed three courses. Unfortunately, being new to university as a first year student, in addition to being personally conflicted, I was unaware and incapable of the seeking out helpful processes such as this one.
This past week my oldest brother stayed with me on campus in order to help me create a plan for success. We discovered Counselling and Development assistance in the Lasalle Building at the bottom of University Street, where I have set up my first appointment this coming Tuesday. I will be speaking to this person at least once a week for the remainder of my time here at Queen¿¿s. I really want to express how I am taking this issue very seriously and I wish to be granted leniency with regards to the final results from my first year. I assure you that I am capable of so much more, and I just want a chance to prove it.
Words cannot adequately express my appreciation for a second chance to be able to drop my failed courses and continue on this new path. I have taken steps to become a more involved and dedicated student, in addition to resolving my personal issues. I most recently qualified for the Novice Rowing Team early this Fall semester but unfortunately was later cut for having had strep throat. I also visited student resource seminars to seek aid from those more qualified, and have scheduled appointments with a student counsellor. And this is just the beginning.
Please accept this as my most sincere plea for your assistance in being able to switch into Geology and regain the passion that I know I have for academia.
Sincere Regards,
Michael Patenaude
ID: 10092397
My name is Michael Patenaude, a second year student currently pursuing a major in Geography in the Faculty of Arts & Science. On October 16th, 2014, I scheduled an appointment to meet with Academic Advisor Cindy Butts to discuss my future at Queen¿¿s University. Though our meeting was brief, it was highly enlightening due to her helpful nature and deep understanding of my situation. Given all the available information, Ms. Butts suggested I submit this appeal to assist with my transition from my current program into Geology.
Over the course of my first year at Queen¿¿s, I suffered with undiagnosed depression which directly impacted and influenced my otherwise passionate desire for academic success. The terrible truth is, that despite the help of my friends and family over the past year, I have only sought external assistance in recent weeks. This is a difficult topic to discuss, since it puts me in a vulnerable position where I would rather no one know about this issue. I have nonetheless come to the realization that I must be as proactive as possible to get better and take the necessary steps to regain what I have lost. My academic performance, among certain personal aspects, suffered greatly during these terrible months resulting in having failed three courses. Unfortunately, being new to university as a first year student, in addition to being personally conflicted, I was unaware and incapable of the seeking out helpful processes such as this one.
This past week my oldest brother stayed with me on campus in order to help me create a plan for success. We discovered Counselling and Development assistance in the Lasalle Building at the bottom of University Street, where I have set up my first appointment this coming Tuesday. I will be speaking to this person at least once a week for the remainder of my time here at Queen¿¿s. I really want to express how I am taking this issue very seriously and I wish to be granted leniency with regards to the final results from my first year. I assure you that I am capable of so much more, and I just want a chance to prove it.
Words cannot adequately express my appreciation for a second chance to be able to drop my failed courses and continue on this new path. I have taken steps to become a more involved and dedicated student, in addition to resolving my personal issues. I most recently qualified for the Novice Rowing Team early this Fall semester but unfortunately was later cut for having had strep throat. I also visited student resource seminars to seek aid from those more qualified, and have scheduled appointments with a student counsellor. And this is just the beginning.
Please accept this as my most sincere plea for your assistance in being able to switch into Geology and regain the passion that I know I have for academia.
Sincere Regards,
Michael Patenaude
ID: 10092397