Michael Fitzpatrick

Dear Professor Minkel,

I am pleased to be a nursing student at Mercer and hope to realize my dream of becoming a nurse.
Most of my peers and professors know me as a serious,

conscientious student.  However they and I couldn’t identify a problem that could derail this

dream.  You were able to recognize it.
I was recently diagnosed with a generalized anxiety

disorder.  However, as an experienced nurse, you were able to recognize manifestations

relating to this disorder by your observations of me in class while taking quizzes and exams and upon their review in your office.
I have taken two courses from you thus far and you have been instrumental in my nursing education.
Based on your observations and concern as an instructor for my success you encouraged me to see a physician experienced in anxiety disorders. You also explained the accommodation process and steps that the college has setup to help students such as myself.  You were concerned that a medical disorder without accommodation would jeopardize my nursing education and career where you also see a strong potential.  Upon diagnosis I proceeded to comply with the accommodation instructions that you had explained earlier.   I recently took my Final and was granted extra time to reduce the anxiety.  My confidence has improved dramatically since our initial discussions and being granted this accommodation.  I will follow the next steps of process and notify my future instructors.  I owe my increased confidence in a big part to all your efforts and believe I will be successful in

realizing my dream.

Sincerely,

Michael Fitzpatrick


12/15/2013