“To become a gentleman” and other metaphors in the transition to university

The transition to university life represents a crucial opportunity for development, characterized by both academic and personal challenges. This study examines the case of Pablo, a 20-year-old Afro-Colombian student and the first in his family to attend university. Using a cultural-semiotic psychological framework, this research explores the meaning-making processes that Pablo undergoes during his first year of studies. Through interviews and focus groups, the study reveals tensions and continuous transformations in the meanings of identity, masculinity, independence, and responsibility. These findings suggest that Pablo’s university experience not only serves as a scenario for academic growth but also as a pivotal period for identity transformation. His navigation of academic pressures, social interactions, and his perception of his role as a man reveals the complex dynamics of adjusting to new contexts. This case illustrates how deeply ingrained cultural meanings can both facilitate and hinder personal change during the university transition. The study’s implications extend to understanding how university environments can either support or challenge identity development in students from vulnerable backgrounds.