I have grown up being told that I may have trouble finding a job. Why you may ask? Because I have tattoos. What you don’t know about my tattoos are that they are my way of healing.

There are so many different ways that people can heal. For instance; some people confide in their friends or family, some people turn to their faith, or even talking to a therapist. For me, although these are all amazing support systems that you need regardless, my way of healing has been adding art to my body. Tattoos can be all sorts of things. From funny quotes to a beautiful sun the possibilities are endless.

I believe if you want to add meaningless drawings to your body than so be it. It is after all your body and no one should be able to tell you what you can or can’t do with it. In my case, that’s not something I did or will do. You see tattoos have all different meanings to different people. I want this permanent ink to represent something more than just the ability to say “I have tattoos!” I have been through many rough patches in my life and could never feel myself healing until I inked my body with something symbolizing that event.

Call me crazy, but this is something I truly believe in. As soon as the needle touches my skin it is as though I can feel myself start to heal within. Of course, tattoos aren’t magic and depending on the tragedy you may never feel healed but it is a forever reminder that no matter the circumstances you need to carry on. So before you put my resume in the “DO NOT HIRE” pile because of my painted skin, ask me what they are for. I can tell you all the personal reasons I inked my body from deaths, to depressions, to trying to remind myself to be happy, they all have so much meaning and I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without them. My tattoos will not make me any less of a hard worker. They will not make me any less intelligent, and they certainly don't make me any less genuine of a person. I would love to be offered a job because of who I am, and not how I look.