I am a good kid. I don’t do anything dangerous or risky or illegal. I keep my grades up, my drama down, and my temperament steady. I go to school every day, go to church every Sunday, and always show up to work on time. I’m such a good kid that I actually tell my mom about my life and don’t have to lie, so most people are surprised when they hear I want a tattoo, I want several ear piercings, and I even kind of want to dye my hair pink. They try to call me on a bluff that isn’t there. Let me explain how these acts associated with rebellious young people fit into my own very non-rebellious life.

I want a tattoo. Yes, I know it’s forever. Yes, I know when I’m old, it might be wrinkly and gross. Regardless, inking beauty onto my body that has a deep emotional meaning to me is a welcome addition to the beauty I already possess. When I’m old, it might look silly to other people, but it will be a constant reminder for me. It will be a reminder of when I was young, un-jaded and passionately believed in love and in beauty — of a time when I was genuinely happy with who I was. I know I won’t be the same person forever. I know I will change, and the things that are important to me will change, but every person I have been or will be is important. All those versions of myself, good or bad, have made me into who I am today. So, when I’m old and decrepit and I look at a tattoo from my youth, I think I’m going to smile in fond remembrance of that naive, happy little girl.

I want more ear piercings. “Why do you want more holes in your body?”

“But it looks so trashy!”

People get so dramatic about my poking holes in my ears. I have no problem with more holes in my ears. If, down the road, I decide multiple piercings aren’t for me, I will simply stop wearing earrings, and I will be left with a tiny, practically unnoticeable scar. No big deal. Also, the idea that small bits of metal and stone hanging off my ears might make me look trashy is misguided. It makes me look shinier — maybe even a little adventurous. If someone attempts to define my quality or worth by how many shiny studs I have in my ear, that person is not someone I care about impressing.

I kind of want to dye my hair pink. Not necessarily pink, maybe deep purple or bright red. People with hair those colors look like fairies. Personally, I don’t intend to go a long time with brightly colored hair. It would be more of a one-time experience. Maybe for one semester of college, I would take that leap. Many people look with shock and disdain on those with unnaturally colored hair, but almost all women I know dye their hair. They either don’t like their natural color or they want to try something new. What’s so wrong with pushing the boundary a little? So many women wear colors that aren't natural to them and try their hardest to pretend it is. I also want an unnatural color; I just don’t care too much about pretending.

I am a good kid. Ten years from now, I plan on being a good kid who has a tattoo, lots of ear piercings and an experience with very fun hair. It’s so silly to judge people based on outside appearances. I understand tattoo, piercings and dyed hair aren’t for everyone. Even for me, I only like them in moderation. I plan on getting one or two tattoos, piercings solely on my ear and dyed hair for a couple months. That’s the beauty of it. When each person follows their own aesthetic, we become more diverse, unique, special. Whether you have a full sleeve and a nose ring or no tattoos and a single ear piercing, you are adding a little more beauty to the world, and I applaud you. I believe it takes bravery and confidence to get a tattoo, or more than the average number of piercings, or weird color hair. It requires bravery and confidence, not rebellion or delinquency. Reconsider your judgments, and admire that person for their unapologetic individuality.