When I was younger, even two years ago, I would've never pictured myself as being the "type" to get a tattoo. I was raised in a family that associated having a tattoo with not being able to get a job. It was not uncommon for me to walk by someone with a tattoo before and think of them as "below" me. As I got older, I started to think that maybe it would be exciting to get one. No it wasn't because I was in a rebellious teenage stage. It was simply because I think they're really cool. I know cool is the absolute worst word you could use to describe something that you like but at the time that's what I thought. I just wanted to find a design that meant something to me and that would continue to because you might've heard, they're permanent. In the nicest way I can possibly say this, I didn't want a basic design. If I was going to actually go for this, I wanted something that would stand out. I wanted people to say, "Hey! Nice tattoo!" Despite what you're probably thinking, the convincing of my parents wasn't the hardest part. My mom, when I asked nicely, took the "you're 18 now and it's your body, you can do whatever you want" approach. She was just concerned that I made sure it was something I really wanted. My dad definitely dreaded the idea. I waited until the day I got it to tell him it was happening that day. I eventually decided to get the tree of life on my back left shoulder. The tree of life was something I had recently decided was my "thing." Partially that it's just really cool looking (there's that cool word again), I would be lying if I didn't say that I think the tree of life at Animal Kingdom in Disney World makes me happy, and I would also be lying if I didn't say that I'm a biology major and Darwin's tree of life intrigues me. The metaphorical meaning of the tree of life translates to me as meaning that you are living a beautiful life here on Earth and enjoying the journey as you continue to grow. Just as the tree grows to reach toward the light, you grow as a person into who you are meant to be/ want to be. It can take on many different meanings depending on the person. Honestly, I could've said whatever I wanted about what it meant. I know that I am a firm believer of waking up every day with a smile on your face, enjoying everything the day has to bring (good and bad) and laughing your way through it. The tree of life is a constant reminder of that for me. I had the tattoo artist draw it up and my boyfriend (mentioned in my previous article as The One) came along to get one of his one. Overall, it was an awesome experience despite feeling like I wanted to throw up the whole time. When I saw it in the mirror I actually squealed with joy. I was in love with it. Now, I purposely wear tanktops to show off my rockin' tattoo and I will tell you all about it if you tell me you like it. I can't wait to get my next one. Making this decision definitely made me more open-minded about the wonderful world of tattoos. Now when I see people that have them, I'm wondering what they it is and the story behind it rather than thinkly poorly of them. I'm so glad I took the jump to get one. Our world is changing along with our perceptions and the chances of you not getting a job because of your tattoo is much slimmer. The experience of getting one has opened my eyes to others who have them and has changed my perception and for that I am grateful. If you're thinking about getting one- go for it, it's OK.