I'm 18 years old, a college freshman, a pre-veterinary major, and I have a tattoo. I am close to many people who are major advocates of tattoos and I am close with some people who are extremely against tattoos.

Since I've gotten my tattoo (a little over a week ago) I've received compliments and words of concern. According to some people a tattoo is a waste of money, harmful to the body, unattractive, and unprofessional. I am tired of hearing these negative words about tattoos. If you don't want one don't get one. Simple as that.

My logic behind tattoos is they tell a story of what makes a person who they are. They are not a waste of money they are a work of art. A tattoo generally relates to something that a person loves so much they want to keep it with them forever. Mine is my dogs paw print because she has been a huge part of my life since I was in kindergarten and she's part of the reason I'm a pre-veterinary major. I don't think it looks unprofessional and I got it on my back where most shirts cover it anyway. I wouldn't want to work for an employer who wouldn't hire me simply because of a tattoo. I know more and more people are starting to agree with me about tattoos and I have a list of more tattoos that I know I want at some point in the future. If you don't like tattoos then don't get one, but don't judge me for anyone else for having one.