A Padawan is a learner or apprentice, specifically a Jedi apprentice within the Star Wars universe. They are Force-sensitive adolescents who have begun one-on-one instruction with a Jedi Knight or Jedi Master for teaching and training. Padawans are known as Jedi younglings at first, and when they are ready to graduate into more mature and rigorous study, they reach the rank of Padawan. Most Padawans wear a Padawan braid to denote their status in the Jedi ranks. Through most of the Jedis history, Padawans were personally selected by their masters, but in the later years of the Republic, Padawans could also be designated by the Council. Assigned to a Jedi Knight or Jedi Master, Padawans learn from their mentor in a more personalized and focused environment. They are not the lowest rank in the Jedi Order, as individuals begin as Younglings before becoming Padawans.