Petition Letter
To the Associate Dean (Studies),
I am appealing to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences¿¿ decision that I must withdraw from Queen¿¿s for minimum of one year.
During the period of January to March, my family physician and I decided to change the dosage of the medication I was taking daily. The medication which was a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) was reduced in its dosage which resulted in me suffering from physical side effects. The side effects included symptoms of withdrawal such as a general feeling of uneasiness, constant nausea, dizziness, and lethargy. While I was suffering through these physical conditions I was forced to rest more and unable to actively participate in my studies to the best of my ability. Additionally, during this time the dosage of my medication fluctuated between 25mg ¿¿ 100mg. My family physician and I were trying to determine which dosage would benefit me the most without the negative side effects I was facing while on certain dosages. It was necessary to try and find an optimal dosage however this did affect me physically and mentally, therefore, hindering my ability to focus on my studies.
Furthermore, during the month of April, I met with my physician and together we decided that it was necessary to change my medication altogether because they were no longer having a positive effect on me. During the first 1-2 weeks of changing my medication, the adjustment period was very difficult for me. I was going through many emotional, physiological, and mental effects including increased mood swings, bouts of depression, dizziness, nausea, and hypersomnia. My first exam this year was on the 15th of April and my second on the 16th of April and my last on the 25th of April. While I was going through this severe period of medication adjustment that took a physical and mental toll on me as much as I wanted to study for my exams and excel in them my mind and body were not capable of doing so. This poor period reflected badly on my studies and did not properly exemplify my ability to do well at Queen¿¿s because I genuinely believe I can excel in an academic environment. These extenuating circumstances caused me to not be able to prepare adequately for my exams or final assignments.
My circumstances are now in the process of being resolved. Currently, my physician and I meet monthly and after trying different medications we have found one that benefits me greatly with fewer side effects and have decided to maintain a consistent dosage. At this point, I have been on the new medication for approximately a month and have noticed fewer negative side effects. As for the future I have determined that a lighter course load would benefit me greatly allowing me to focus on my studies and my health. I intend to take summer courses thus this will allow me to take fewer courses during the year. Additionally, I intend to make biweekly trips home that will allow me to maintain my visits with my physician if any pharmacological complications do arise, I will be proactive in treating them before they affect me and my studies.
Sincerely,
Alishewa Aziz
I am appealing to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences¿¿ decision that I must withdraw from Queen¿¿s for minimum of one year.
During the period of January to March, my family physician and I decided to change the dosage of the medication I was taking daily. The medication which was a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) was reduced in its dosage which resulted in me suffering from physical side effects. The side effects included symptoms of withdrawal such as a general feeling of uneasiness, constant nausea, dizziness, and lethargy. While I was suffering through these physical conditions I was forced to rest more and unable to actively participate in my studies to the best of my ability. Additionally, during this time the dosage of my medication fluctuated between 25mg ¿¿ 100mg. My family physician and I were trying to determine which dosage would benefit me the most without the negative side effects I was facing while on certain dosages. It was necessary to try and find an optimal dosage however this did affect me physically and mentally, therefore, hindering my ability to focus on my studies.
Furthermore, during the month of April, I met with my physician and together we decided that it was necessary to change my medication altogether because they were no longer having a positive effect on me. During the first 1-2 weeks of changing my medication, the adjustment period was very difficult for me. I was going through many emotional, physiological, and mental effects including increased mood swings, bouts of depression, dizziness, nausea, and hypersomnia. My first exam this year was on the 15th of April and my second on the 16th of April and my last on the 25th of April. While I was going through this severe period of medication adjustment that took a physical and mental toll on me as much as I wanted to study for my exams and excel in them my mind and body were not capable of doing so. This poor period reflected badly on my studies and did not properly exemplify my ability to do well at Queen¿¿s because I genuinely believe I can excel in an academic environment. These extenuating circumstances caused me to not be able to prepare adequately for my exams or final assignments.
My circumstances are now in the process of being resolved. Currently, my physician and I meet monthly and after trying different medications we have found one that benefits me greatly with fewer side effects and have decided to maintain a consistent dosage. At this point, I have been on the new medication for approximately a month and have noticed fewer negative side effects. As for the future I have determined that a lighter course load would benefit me greatly allowing me to focus on my studies and my health. I intend to take summer courses thus this will allow me to take fewer courses during the year. Additionally, I intend to make biweekly trips home that will allow me to maintain my visits with my physician if any pharmacological complications do arise, I will be proactive in treating them before they affect me and my studies.
Sincerely,
Alishewa Aziz