Let me start off by saying that my first tattoo was not planned whatsoever. I had a date set, but I wasn't sure whether I would get the tattoo or not. I didn't have this set idea of what the tattoo will be. It just all came together in the best way possible. I have no one other to thank than my dad and wonderful tattoo artist, Mark. Without them, I would not have gotten the intricate design of the tattoo or had the date set in the first place.

The summer before I went to college, I contemplated on getting a tattoo but I wasn't sure where or what it would be. It was in November, so I was just recovering from midterms and preparing for final exams. I wanted to get the tattoo when I came home on Thanksgiving break (since we have a week-long break), but that's the extent as to what I wanted. Days before it was time, I had to come up with an idea on where to get the tattoo. Before I knew it, I was getting ink on my right shoulder blade.

The design of the tattoo is what makes me appreciate it more. I searched endlessly on Pinterest for tattoo ideas and came across nothing that spoke out to me. I did not want a simple or over-the-top tattoo, so I had to think of the things I love the most. Elephants are my favorite animal because of for their strength, power, and beauty. The search for elephant tattoos continued. It was then I came across an elephant holding a rose. I sent it to Mark and the rest was history.

As for pain, I did not experience much pain with the tattoo because I was overwhelmed with excitement. I will say, however, it feels the way it sounds. Similar to getting small needles inserted in your skin for seconds at a time. However, filling in the tattoo is a different experience. Since there are multiple needles filling in space on a part of your skin, the pain amplifies a small amount. Next time I will bring a stress ball or one of those dessert toys you can squish because I was not prepared for it. My dad was expecting me to cry, but I toughed it out because overall it was not that bad and well worth the experience.

I like the story of how I got my first tattoo because it wasn't this methodical, thought out plan that required months of preparation and loads of anxiety. Everything fell into place the way it was supposed to and I do not regret it for one second. I get compliments on my tattoo each day, and I smile wider each time I hear it.