As we grow older we discover new things about us and how we identify ourselves, throughout the experiences we face in our lives. Identity formation is defined as the combination of personal, social and cultural experiences that combine to form an individual’s identity.
Identity is not static, and never will be; it is the result of continuous interaction with the environment. People in our lives such as friends, family, teachers and idols affect the way we identify ourselves; they are a big factor in building our personality. Past experiences we go through can also have an impact on our identity, if we're growing; we're always going to be out of our comfort zone.
Another aspect of how identity continues to change is through communication with others.
The people we choose to be around with affects how we identify ourselves. Our friendships in and out of school play a big role in shaping how we act towards certain situations.
A reference to Henry Lawson story about the drovers wife would be after her husband abandons her and she if left with her children. Her identity is forced to grow, and she is shaped into a stronger and supportive mother, although her old traits are still there, new ones have been added, strengthening her Identity.
Despite our identity continually developing over time, some aspects from earlier on in our lives stay constant. For example if you ask your parents what their favourite song is their not going to say "stupid hoe" by Nikki Minaj, but something they remember listening to when they were 16.
Because of this, past identities are still relevant to the present.
"what we are never changes, but who we are never stops changing"