Petition Letter
Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,
I am appealing the Faculty of Arts and Science's decision that I must withdraw from my studies at Queen's for one year. I am also appealing to late drop courses that were taken during the duration of my circumstances.
In the middle of 2019, I experienced a severe exacerbation of my anxiety and depression. Due to the sporadic nature of my conditions, I went through periods where I was unable to complete menial tasks. During these periods, I had difficulty attending lectures, writing assignments, and concentrating on my academics. Despite having a support system -- comprised of an occupational therapist, accommodations advisor, and doctor -- at Queen's, my worsened anxiety led to negative thought loops that made reaching out to instructors and healthcare providers appear far more daunting. The feelings of shame over the impact that my circumstances have had on my academics and life caused me to isolate myself further instead of seeking help.
This persisted throughout 2020, only changing once I decided to open up to my family and friends earlier this year. Upon realizing that isolating myself is nothing but detrimental to my mental health, I decided to maintain open communication with my parents and to discuss the way I had been feeling -- a step that took a large weight off my shoulders and made thinking about school far less anxiety-inducing.
After discussing future steps with my family, I decided to take numerous measures to ensure future academic success and mental wellbeing. These include booking an appointment with Queen's Academic Success Services, following a consistent routine, and checking in with healthcare providers more regularly. Further plans and details regarding the steps I have taken to feel confident about succeeding when returning to Queen's are outlined in detail in my academic plan below.
I am appealing the Faculty of Arts and Science's decision that I must withdraw from my studies at Queen's for one year. I am also appealing to late drop courses that were taken during the duration of my circumstances.
In the middle of 2019, I experienced a severe exacerbation of my anxiety and depression. Due to the sporadic nature of my conditions, I went through periods where I was unable to complete menial tasks. During these periods, I had difficulty attending lectures, writing assignments, and concentrating on my academics. Despite having a support system -- comprised of an occupational therapist, accommodations advisor, and doctor -- at Queen's, my worsened anxiety led to negative thought loops that made reaching out to instructors and healthcare providers appear far more daunting. The feelings of shame over the impact that my circumstances have had on my academics and life caused me to isolate myself further instead of seeking help.
This persisted throughout 2020, only changing once I decided to open up to my family and friends earlier this year. Upon realizing that isolating myself is nothing but detrimental to my mental health, I decided to maintain open communication with my parents and to discuss the way I had been feeling -- a step that took a large weight off my shoulders and made thinking about school far less anxiety-inducing.
After discussing future steps with my family, I decided to take numerous measures to ensure future academic success and mental wellbeing. These include booking an appointment with Queen's Academic Success Services, following a consistent routine, and checking in with healthcare providers more regularly. Further plans and details regarding the steps I have taken to feel confident about succeeding when returning to Queen's are outlined in detail in my academic plan below.