How University Influenced My Sense of Self

BLOG #6- How University Influenced My Sense of Self- November 25th, 2024

As my university career comes to an end and I prepare to tackle post-graduate opportunities, a heavy feeling weighs on my heart. Coming to St. Francis Xavier University was about more than academics—it was about independence, building a new life, forming new friendships, and stepping out of my comfort zone by moving from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia. The person I was when I first stepped onto the StFX campus is entirely different from the person now preparing to take a leap beyond this small, familiar community.

Looking back at how much I’ve grown over these past years fills me with both pride and nervousness. I love the person I am today, but the thought of who I might become after university brings its own anxieties. How have I changed so much already? And how much more will I change?

My identity is shaped by both independent and interdependent views of self. When I first arrived at university, I was focused on developing an independent sense of self. I wanted to stay true to who I was: my creativity, independence, and curiosity—attributes I valued and saw as the foundation of my identity. I believed these traits needed to remain consistent, no matter where I was. Part of this included finding friends who resonated with me the way my friends at home did, as they reinforced the person I saw myself to be.

Over time, I began to understand how much my identity was also influenced by an interdependent view of self. While I initially thought my inner traits alone defined me, I realized that my sense of self grew stronger through relationships and roles within my social groups. My friends, professors, and even casual campus interactions didn’t just complement my independent attributes—they became a vital part of who I was becoming. These connections didn’t replace my core self but enriched and expanded it.

So, how much more will I change? The answer is: that as long as my values and inner attributes remain steady, I will continue to grow and evolve with the new people I meet and the experiences I encounter. Change isn’t about losing myself—it’s about becoming a fuller version of who I am.

To any university student, or anyone facing a major transition like leaving university, and feeling afraid of losing their
sense of self: don’t be scared. Stay true to yourself while also embracing each new version of yourself. They are a reflection of the incredible people and experiences that have shaped you. Your identity won’t get lost—it will evolve.