8 years in, facing academic exclusion again. I feel like a complete failure and need some advice/tough love.
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Hi everyone,
I have been studying at the University of Pretoria for the past 8 years, and I am currently facing the possibility of being academically excluded again. I'm in my 4th year of Computer Engineering, but I failed my entire academic year last year, primarily due to severe burnout.
I am saddled with a massive amount of guilt right now. I am facing another potential exclusion—this time due to missing practicals, which leads to an immediate exam refusal.
The reason it has taken me so long to complete my degree is my ongoing battle with chronic depression and anxiety. It has taken a heavy toll on every aspect of my life, not just my education. My absolute last resort right now is appealing to the exam refusal committee. I am just praying that, by the grace of God, my appeal is successful and I am allowed to write my exams.
If the appeal fails, I will have to face my family and disappoint them all over again. I feel like a complete failure as a person for taking so long and for letting this happen. Calling it a "mistake" doesn't even begin to describe this fuck up. I am still going to submit my appeal, as I really have no other choice.
I just wanted to reach out to this community. Does anyone have any advice, inspiring comeback stories, or even some tough love? I could really use it right now.