Hi, I need help writing an academic appeal essay for Penn State University. The appeal is for a Retroactive Withdrawal for the Fall 2024 semester only. Please use the information below to write the essay. Do not invent any details, because I will be attaching documents that support these circumstances. The essay should be formal, honest, and respectful, and should show that I take responsibility for my academic performance while explaining the serious circumstances that affected me during Fall 2024. Please structure the essay clearly in this order: 1. Explain the unexpected circumstances. 2. Explain how they directly affected my academic performance during Fall 2024. 3. Explain what steps I am taking now so the situation is stable and improving. 1. Basic Information I am a Penn State University student. My major is Finance in the Smeal College of Business. I am an international student studying in the United States. I am requesting a retroactive withdrawal for the Fall 2024 semester only. 2. My Medical Condition I have celiac disease, which was diagnosed before I arrived in the United States. Celiac disease requires a strict gluten-free diet. When I consume gluten, I experience severe fatigue and stomach pain. Managing this condition while adjusting to life in a new country made it difficult to maintain a stable routine and diet. This affected my energy levels, focus, and daily functioning. I will attach medical documentation confirming my diagnosis. 3. My Mothers Illness During this time, my mother was battling stage 4 rectal cancer that had metastasized to her liver and lungs. Being far away from home while she was going through treatment caused significant emotional distress. As the eldest son, I felt a strong responsibility to support my family and stay in constant communication with them. I frequently stayed up late at night speaking with my mother and family, which caused insomnia, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating on my coursework. I will attach medical documentation related to my mothers illness. 4. Emotional and Mental Health Impact The combination of my health condition, my mothers illness, and adjusting to life in a new country created significant emotional stress and anxiety. I experienced homesickness, difficulty focusing, and trouble organizing my academic responsibilities. I attempted to seek help through Penn State CAPS and attended an initial session. I missed a follow-up appointment during a period of emotional overwhelm and did not reschedule in time due to my enrollment status. I later began therapy with a licensed therapist from my home country, Naser Al Riyami, which helped me address my anxiety and coping strategies. Documentation from my therapist will be attached. 5. Academic Impact These circumstances significantly affected my ability to focus, manage my time, and stay organized academically. As a result, my academic performance suffered during the Fall 2024 semester. 6. Responsibility I take full responsibility for my academic performance. I understand that I should have sought support sooner and communicated more about my situation. Reflecting on this experience has helped me recognize the importance of seeking help earlier when facing challenges. 7. What I Am Doing Now (Important for the Appeal) I am now meeting regularly with my academic advisor. I plan to use tutoring and academic support services on campus. I am continuing therapy to manage stress and anxiety more effectively. I am committed to maintaining a healthier routine and improving my academic performance. 8. Request I respectfully ask the committee to consider granting a retroactive withdrawal for the Fall 2024 semester. This would allow me the opportunity to move forward with a clean academic slate and continue my education successfully.