Two days before starting my second semester at Point Loma, I also started another chapter in my life—a chapter of absolute and unapologetic spontaneity.

I decided to permanently stamp my body with symbols of the two most important things in my life: my dog and Jesus Christ. Though maybe not in that order.

On my ankle, I got the outline of a dog paw to pay homage to my Maggie (a springer spaniel pup who has my heart) and a cross on my wrist. I am so proud of these symbols of joy—they literally make up about 74 percent of the happiness in my heart. But it is crucial to understand that my tattoos are more than just ink that has been aesthetically designed for optimal cuteness.

I am at a season in life where so much joy comes from the cross. Even more joy comes from knowing that the King of Kings gave up His son so that I could live life eternally. I mean, come on... that’s cool. However, I will be the first to admit that I come short pretty often. At the end of the day, I am a goofy teenager who is fumbling through life. In the moments when I do not reflect God in my actions, I can look down at my wrist and know who is in control of my heart.

Also, if you have spent more than 12 minutes with me, you would understand that my heart does not just beat; it barks. Like many of my friends who are bracing higher education away from home, I do not have the privilege of petting my dog when I so choose. I am known to stop random people who walk their dogs on campus and ask to pet their furry friend. Meeting these new four-legged friends is fun, but nothing fills my heart like seeing my pup in all her glory.

The physical act of getting the tattoos was not as painful as I expected. In fact, the needle poking through my skin was more liberating than it was annoying. I was doing something with so much depth. I, Brittney Siordia, was actually doing something semi-rebellious. What!?

Yes, I am young. Yes, I know tattoos are extremely difficult to remove and I understand that they will be on my body even when I’m wheeling around in an old folk’s home. But when I look down 10, 15 or 20 years from now, I will remember these as time stamps on such a vibrant time of my life. And yes, if you ask Kim Kardashian, I did put a bumper sticker on a Bentley.