John: Graduating from university changed my life.
Phrases Describing Experiences and Events
It was a defining moment.
C1Meaning
An experience that significantly shapes one's character or future.
Example sentences
Alice: It must have been. It was a defining moment, I bet.
John: Absolutely. It shaped my career path and my entire outlook.
Alice: I understand completely. For me too; it was a graduation that was a defining moment.