Abstract
FiF students are diverse not only in terms of age and previous life experiences but also in terms of how these factors shape their personal expectations and belief in their ability to achieve at university. This chapter explores the ways in which FiF students’ self-image or identity is transformed as a result of their attendance at university and how the multidimensional and interconnected nature of such an experience shapes the students’ self-perceptions and their day-to-day lives as well as their relationships with significant others.
I do probably have a different perspective on uni life I suppose, and what it’s like to be a uni student … I’m proud to be able to say ‘I’m 44 years old and I’m a uni student’. (Kerry)
I would say I’m a dedicated student in so far as that I don’t just want to get a degree, I want to be able develop skills along the way … I want to develop as a person, I want to read more, and educate myself. (Brian)
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King, S., McCann, B., Luzeckyj, A. (2019). Forming and Transforming Identity. In: The Experience of Being First in Family at University. SpringerBriefs in Education. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-0921-6_7
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