Reclaiming Pride and Purpose: Identity Reintegration of Student Veterans in Transition

• In Event: Student and Institutional Contexts

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the process of identity reintegration experienced by veteran students during the transition from military service to civilian society. We specifically examined the following: the role of the military cultural context in the formulation of a military identity; the tension and conflict between military and civilian cultures during the identity transition; and the reintegration of the prior military identity into a new, emerging student veteran identity. Our qualitative data analysis confirms that a successful transition occurs when student veterans fuse their prior identity and newly emerging identity. Our findings also elucidate student veterans’ inner resilience, persistence, and commitment to serve society through a new profession and reclaim a sense of pride and purpose in their lives.

Authors

• Jae Hoon Lim, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Claudia G Interiano, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Dymilah Luwanna Hewitt, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Peter Tkacik, University of North Carolina - Charlotte