“Where do you plan on getting this tattoo?” is something I was asked continuously when discussing that I had wanted one. Everyone knew I was planning for a career in the medical field where tattoos are frowned upon. Every medical student or worker knows to put a tattoo in a location that is hidden; like on their hip, shoulder or feet. Tattoos are an expression of personality and creativity yet they are placed in locations that are unseen to prevent the glares and judgement of others. Why is this the case? Does the fact that they have marked their body affect the way they earned their medical degree, or even the way they will mark yours in surgery?

Personally, I believe it is beautiful. Some get tattoos in tribute to loved ones, while others may mark themselves with meaningful signs or symbols that may not mean much to some, but mean the world to the individual sporting it. For example, my tattoo is located on my right foot. I got it in a place that is hidden by work sneakers in order to conform to others wants and wishes. It says, in simple black lettering, “happy?” It sparks up a lot of conversations considering its meaning is hidden. Recently, I moved from home to attend college, and to do this I had to leave my little sister. She is the greatest force in my life and I’d do anything for her because she would do anything for me. All she wants is for me to be happy, so this is where it comes from. Whenever I seemed down, or upset, she would come along and ask, “happy?” If I said yes she would let out a beautiful smile, but if I said no, she laugh and say in a sassy tone of voice, “No -- you’re happy.” She has taught me how to find happiness no matter where I am, and this is why I marked my body with this single word. To remind me when she can’t to just be happy.

No one would ever know how much this tattoo means to me unless they ask, and the ones who do understand and enjoy it’s meaning. However, it is hidden so not many even know it’s there, yet alone, ask.

I read somewhere that everyone starts with a blank canvas, and over the years it is marked and painted. I think tattoos are beautiful. The wearer goes through a little pain just to leave a special mark on their body with meaning. The fact that people have tattoos, does not change their personally or level of degree. This is why I believe that it should be acceptable to present tattoos in the workplace. It’s not just people in the medical field who are scrutinized for exposing their tattoos. It is seen as unprofessional. God forbid that that lawyer you hired has emotion and their own social life, or that carpenter who is fixing your home has a family of his own in which he honors through a tattoo. People are so obsessed with disconnection. They don’t like to think about how others live their lives. They are only aware of themselves and their beliefs. It is this kind of closed mindedness that causes people to judge others on what they do not understand.

So next time you see a tattoo, ask about it; learn the meaning behind it. You’ll never know who you’ll end up making a connection with.