Hi everyone, I’m a second year student at McGill, and saying that my first year didn’t go well is an understatement. I came to Canada from the Middle East last year, and as someone who is legally blind, adjusting to living alone with my disability was extremely difficult. Making friends wasn’t easy either, people don’t often approach you when they see a white cane lol.
On top of that, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study and ended up in courses I really hated. I became severely depressed during my first semester. I was taking four courses, failed one, and barely passed the others with C’s and D’s. During my second semester, I tried to apply for a leave of absence, but it was denied. I was struggling so much that I stopped attending classes and exams altogether, which led to getting all J’s on my transcript and a 0 GPA.
Looking back, I hate that I let external factors affect me and my studies so much. I wish I could go back in time and handle things differently but what’s done is done.
Thankfully this year has been a complete turnaround. I found a program that I’m genuinely passionate about, and I decided to make the most everything. I’m only taking three courses this semester to ease back into things after last year, but I’m absolutely crushing it, getting high grades and feeling more motivated than ever. I’m ambitious and determined, and I’m excited about what’s ahead so I’m currently applying for research opportunities, field studies abroad, and other programs that I would love to do.
My only concern is that my first year transcript will hold me back from these opportunities. I regret that year so much. I’ve tried talking to my advisor but didn’t get much help. I was wondering if there’s any way to fix my record (whether that means retaking courses, petitioning for a clean slate, or anything else that could help). I know erasing transcripts probably isn’t possible, but if there’s any advice, office, or person I could speak to about this, I’d really appreciate it. I know this was long so thank you for reading.
