Petition Letter
Dear The Associate Dean (Studies):
I am appealing to waive the 21-day appeal deadline so that a late appeal may be considered.
The cancer recurrence of a close family member (my aunt, Dr. Pamela Catton) took a significant toll on my psychological health, as this event triggered episodes of anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia. The onset of my condition was directly related to my aunt's cancer recurrence, which began in April 2014, and has been ongoing, up until recently (January 2015).
My symptoms were ongoing but manageable during the summer; I had good days and bad days. When Pam's health took a nosedive in September, both my anxiety and insomnia became severe, and I had more frequent panic attacks. These symptoms significantly impacted my ability to complete my HLTH405 assignment before the course deadline and to request an extension within 21 days after the course deadline.
My symptoms were most severe throughout September to December 2014; concomitant with Pam's deteriorating health. I was unable to file an appeal during this time because of the emotional/physical turmoil I was experiencing. Thinking or writing about my family tragedy exacerbated my anxiety and triggered panic attacks, deterring me from completing an appeal. I was also chronically fatigued because of my insomnia, making it very difficult to muster the energy and motivation to complete an appeal. Furthermore, my free time was spent travelling to and from Toronto to support Pam during her treatment, and to assist her in any way possible (see supporting documents for bus/train ticket receipts). Therefore, due to this ongoing extenuating circumstance, I did not have the emotional or physical capacity to file my appeal within 21 days of the course deadline.
I did not seek professional help because I was embarrassed to admit anything was wrong with me. My strategies to improve my condition were meditation and exercise, which distracted me and helped subside my anxiety. Since witnessing my aunt's decease on December 23rd, the severity/frequency of my symptoms have decreased considerably (see supporting documents for obituary). I have felt a sense of closure, knowing Pam is in a better place, where her suffering has ended; and to some extent, mine has too.
I would greatly appreciate your consideration in waiving the 21-day deadline to submit an appeal, as my extenuating circumstance was clearly ongoing, and hindered my ability from taking proper action in a timely manner.
Sincerely,
Victoria
I am appealing to waive the 21-day appeal deadline so that a late appeal may be considered.
The cancer recurrence of a close family member (my aunt, Dr. Pamela Catton) took a significant toll on my psychological health, as this event triggered episodes of anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia. The onset of my condition was directly related to my aunt's cancer recurrence, which began in April 2014, and has been ongoing, up until recently (January 2015).
My symptoms were ongoing but manageable during the summer; I had good days and bad days. When Pam's health took a nosedive in September, both my anxiety and insomnia became severe, and I had more frequent panic attacks. These symptoms significantly impacted my ability to complete my HLTH405 assignment before the course deadline and to request an extension within 21 days after the course deadline.
My symptoms were most severe throughout September to December 2014; concomitant with Pam's deteriorating health. I was unable to file an appeal during this time because of the emotional/physical turmoil I was experiencing. Thinking or writing about my family tragedy exacerbated my anxiety and triggered panic attacks, deterring me from completing an appeal. I was also chronically fatigued because of my insomnia, making it very difficult to muster the energy and motivation to complete an appeal. Furthermore, my free time was spent travelling to and from Toronto to support Pam during her treatment, and to assist her in any way possible (see supporting documents for bus/train ticket receipts). Therefore, due to this ongoing extenuating circumstance, I did not have the emotional or physical capacity to file my appeal within 21 days of the course deadline.
I did not seek professional help because I was embarrassed to admit anything was wrong with me. My strategies to improve my condition were meditation and exercise, which distracted me and helped subside my anxiety. Since witnessing my aunt's decease on December 23rd, the severity/frequency of my symptoms have decreased considerably (see supporting documents for obituary). I have felt a sense of closure, knowing Pam is in a better place, where her suffering has ended; and to some extent, mine has too.
I would greatly appreciate your consideration in waiving the 21-day deadline to submit an appeal, as my extenuating circumstance was clearly ongoing, and hindered my ability from taking proper action in a timely manner.
Sincerely,
Victoria