Petition Letter
September 18, 2020
Dear Dr. Louise Winn,
I am writing about the long term effects of a congenital cerebrovascular malformation that drastically altered my academic performance in my fourth year courses, specifically three failures in Fall 2016 (PHGY 350) and Winter 2017 (LISC 426 and MATH 339). I believe I have serious medical reasons -- which only came to light in 2019 -- for requesting that these 3 grades be removed from my transcript.
During the summer of 2016, I noticed an onset of headaches and migraines and light sensitivities. As the fall semester began I tried to push off the pain, but it started to effect my focus and attention in the previously mentioned courses. As I progressed through my fourth year (2016-2017), it felt increasingly like I was unable to continue my studies. But since I wanted to graduate on time (Spring, 2017), I tried to continue with my coursework.
Regrettably, the three failures during the 2016-2017 school year meant that I could not graduate on time and had to take some online courses for the next two fall semesters (2018, 2019) to fulfill requirements for graduation. (I graduated in Summer, 2019.) During the entire period of online studies, I continued trying to ignore the persistent migraines and visual disturbances, but I eventually began to think that there was something medically wrong. Unfortunately, this turned out to be the case.
One night in July, 2019 I had my first epileptic event and was admitted to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. While there, I was diagnosed with an Acquired Brain Injury. I learned then that I was born with a congenital cerebrovascular disorder known as an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). The AVM ultimately led to an intracranial hemorrhage (brain bleed) while I was in the hospital. Thankfully, I underwent two successful brain surgeries and the remnants of the AVM were removed.
I worked tenaciously through my physical rehabilitation for many months and I am very glad to report that I have fully recovered. My experiences in rehabilitation have inspired me to help others who are going through similar things. That is why I am applying to the Master of Science Degree in Physical Therapy (MSCPT) at Queens. I have a new passion and focus for studies. However, the three failures on my transcript have lowered my GPA and this is a barrier to my goal of becoming a physiotherapist.
While I do understand that appeals are usually submitted within a limited time frame of taking the course, I believe that the early onset of symptoms from my congenital brain malformation significantly altered my ability to learn and perform well in my fourth year at Queens. I am including a letter from my neurologist, Dr. Manav Vyas of Sunnybrook Hospital.
In summary, I am asking if the three failures on my transcript could be removed. I know that this is an unusual request at this time, but I think my circumstances were truly extenuating. If there are further requirements at this time, I will happily fulfill them.
Thank you for your consideration of my appeal.
Sincerely yours,
James Fleming
10108240
Dear Dr. Louise Winn,
I am writing about the long term effects of a congenital cerebrovascular malformation that drastically altered my academic performance in my fourth year courses, specifically three failures in Fall 2016 (PHGY 350) and Winter 2017 (LISC 426 and MATH 339). I believe I have serious medical reasons -- which only came to light in 2019 -- for requesting that these 3 grades be removed from my transcript.
During the summer of 2016, I noticed an onset of headaches and migraines and light sensitivities. As the fall semester began I tried to push off the pain, but it started to effect my focus and attention in the previously mentioned courses. As I progressed through my fourth year (2016-2017), it felt increasingly like I was unable to continue my studies. But since I wanted to graduate on time (Spring, 2017), I tried to continue with my coursework.
Regrettably, the three failures during the 2016-2017 school year meant that I could not graduate on time and had to take some online courses for the next two fall semesters (2018, 2019) to fulfill requirements for graduation. (I graduated in Summer, 2019.) During the entire period of online studies, I continued trying to ignore the persistent migraines and visual disturbances, but I eventually began to think that there was something medically wrong. Unfortunately, this turned out to be the case.
One night in July, 2019 I had my first epileptic event and was admitted to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. While there, I was diagnosed with an Acquired Brain Injury. I learned then that I was born with a congenital cerebrovascular disorder known as an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). The AVM ultimately led to an intracranial hemorrhage (brain bleed) while I was in the hospital. Thankfully, I underwent two successful brain surgeries and the remnants of the AVM were removed.
I worked tenaciously through my physical rehabilitation for many months and I am very glad to report that I have fully recovered. My experiences in rehabilitation have inspired me to help others who are going through similar things. That is why I am applying to the Master of Science Degree in Physical Therapy (MSCPT) at Queens. I have a new passion and focus for studies. However, the three failures on my transcript have lowered my GPA and this is a barrier to my goal of becoming a physiotherapist.
While I do understand that appeals are usually submitted within a limited time frame of taking the course, I believe that the early onset of symptoms from my congenital brain malformation significantly altered my ability to learn and perform well in my fourth year at Queens. I am including a letter from my neurologist, Dr. Manav Vyas of Sunnybrook Hospital.
In summary, I am asking if the three failures on my transcript could be removed. I know that this is an unusual request at this time, but I think my circumstances were truly extenuating. If there are further requirements at this time, I will happily fulfill them.
Thank you for your consideration of my appeal.
Sincerely yours,
James Fleming
10108240