The spelling of "former student" is straightforward. "Former" is spelled with an "o" in the first syllable, followed by the letters "r" and "m" to make the "or" sound. The second syllable of "former" is spelled with an "e" followed by an "r" to make the sound "er." "Student" is spelled with an "s" followed by a "t," and the second syllable uses a long "u" sound spelled with the letter "u" followed by an "e" to make "dent." In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /ˈfɔːmər ˈstjuːdənt/.
A former student refers to an individual who was once enrolled and actively pursuing education at a particular institution, but is no longer currently associated with that institution. This term typically applies to individuals who have completed their course of study or decided to discontinue their education for various reasons.
A former student encompasses individuals who have graduated from the institution, successfully obtaining a diploma, degree, or any other certification that substantiates the completion of their academic program. These individuals have fulfilled the necessary requirements and have been formally recognized as having completed the course of study.
Moreover, a former student may also encompass individuals who opted to leave the institution before completing their academic program and chose to discontinue their educational pursuits for personal or professional reasons. Although they may not have obtained the educational credentials, they are still considered former students as they were once officially enrolled in the institution.
Former students often maintain a connection or affiliation with their alma mater through alumni associations or networks, which provide them with opportunities to engage in ongoing professional development, networking, and social events. These connections play a crucial role in facilitating career advancement, mentorship, and support systems, fostering a lifelong bond with the institution and fellow alumni.
Recognizing the distinction between current students and former students is fundamental in distinguishing the different stages of education an individual has undergone and understanding their relationship with a particular educational institution.
The term "former student" is composed of two main parts: "former" and "student".
"Former" originated from the Middle English word "formere", which came from the Old English word "forma". This term means "previous" or "earlier". It has its roots in the Latin word "primarius", meaning "earliest" or "of first rank".
"Student" has its roots in the Latin word "studens", which signifies "one who studies" or "one who strives". It is derived from the present participle of the verb "studeo", meaning "to study" or "to be eager for" in Latin.
Therefore, when combined, "former student" refers to a person who previously studied or was a student but no longer is one.