<p>This is so that the uni will appeal my fall2013/2014 year where I failed a total of 7 classes ( 21 credits). </p>
<p>To whom it may concern,
I am writing to appeal both Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 academic outcomes. I should say that I am no longer surprised with the outcomes of my first year at XXX University. As a transfer student to XXX starting a new major I was excited to learn and maintain a 4.0 GPA while studying Biomedical Engineering. I admit that during the first two weeks I did not feel 100% but chucked it up home sickness and a new change of pace. During the 2013-2014 academic year my academic performance failed to showcase my talents due to unforeseen medical circumstances.
I don’t mean to make excuses for my poor academic standing but I would like to explain the circumstances surrounding them. In Fall of 2013 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a neurosensory disorder in which widespread muscle pain, joint stiffness, and fatigue are felt constantly. The pain felt with fibromyalgia moves about the body in varying pain levels. When misdiagnosed it can complicate mood and anxiety disorder. At one time Fibromyalgia was thought to be a psychological disorder; and although the cause is still not known, what is known is that it is believed to be caused by the interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural variables. Just as there is no specific way to diagnosis this condition, there also is no cure. The only treatment is to try and successfully manage the symptoms as best as possible. Even with this new medical diagnosis my doctors assured me that I could continue to go to school and manage my health with help of the school services. I must admit that during this semester I did not attend office hours nor tutoring when I felt I was behind. Nor did I talk to any of my professors about my situation or use the school’s services.
As the Fall 2013 semester ended and I failed all but my physics lab, instead of feeling better I was feeling worse. In November 2013 a trip to the doctors lead to a new diagnosis of stage 1 gastric MALT Lymphoma. MALT Lymphoma is a form of lymphoma involving the mucosa-associated tissue. It is more commonly found in the stomach, as was mine. Stage 1 cancer meant that it was localized. This was in turn good news and I was prepped for surgery during winter break. I was allowed recovery time and was given a new set of medications and regimens meant to keep me healthy and active in school. The cancer in turn going into remission. Once again I was given the clean bill of health. This time around though I learned from the previous semester to be open with my professors about my situation and to use the resources the school provided. As soon as the Spring 2014 term started I talked to all my teachers and explained my situation in order to prevent any mis-understandings. I also started going to regular tutoring sessions for all my classes in order to keep up to pace with the classes. I made an appointments with the psychological services and started receiving treatments. Halfway through the semester I started feeling ill again and started a series of hospitalizations in which it was discovered that my cancer had come back again, still stage 1 but nonetheless it was back. Once again I was prepped for surgery during spring break in order to allow healing time and not missing anymore classes. I dropped two of my courses as soon as this new diagnosis came in since I knew that I would not be able to keep up with my coursework. I talked to my advisor about my situation and we decided to try and continue my other three classes in hopes for the best. Between treatments, medical visits, and class I was left drained and as expected did not pass any of my remaining three courses.
As I take full responsibility for what happened, I now know what to do to ensure my academic success no matter what unforeseen circumstances arise. I am in the middle of my summer courses here at XXX. Using what I learned from the fall and spring semesters, I am now in constant contact with both my advisor and professors. I go to tutoring sessions at the learning center as well as private sessions. I go to every class as well as office hours when I feel like I need it. I have learned to manage my physical health and academic health as well. I have set a schedule where I am allowed to learn, study, relax, and take care of myself during the week. I have a relationship with the medical professionals that the school provides as well. If given this second chance, I will only continue to do all these things in order to ensure my academic success here at XXX. I also realize that I should’ve taken a leave of absence due to my health problems and have talked to both my parents and advisor about doing so if any other health problems were to arise.
My love for XXX only grew during this time due to the support I was receiving from my advisor, professors, and bosses at XXX. I write this letter to you three months in remission with a clear bill of health. I would love to graduate from XXX Univeristy and enter the masters program afterwards. Not only would that mean that I would be the first person in my immediate family to obtain a college degree but also a cancer survivor with a degree. I am not looking for pity nor praise because I know there are other people who have had harder situations in life and have not failed courses. All I am asking for is another chance to prove to this university that I am worthy of a degree in its name. Please understand that my low GPA that might lead to my dismissal does not indicate that I am a bad student. I had a not so typical first year and learned a lot from it. I hope that you will consider my appeal.
Sincerely,
XXX BME Undergrad</p>
<p>(I realize this might sound a bit dramatic but it all did happen. If anyone could proof read it and help me out with pointers of what I should keep or insert. I also have to turn in a brief statement describing the main reason I am appeal along with medical proof.)
Thank you!</p>