As a college Junior, I can say with certainty that this is the time when life starts getting real. For the first time, you are given massive responsibility, the things on paper start to really matter, and you start coming face-to-face with the people that will determine your future in countless interviews. To say it is terrifying is a massive understatement. Something that I have had to deal with for the first time, though, is how people respond to a choice I made this past September: I now have a nose ring.
Sure it’s not as obvious as purple hair or as permanent as a tat sleeve, but it still deviates from the norm that has been established for so long. For the first time, I have a feature that may give pause to someone looking from the outside in. There is a distinct possibility that I may be asked to change it by someone in charge. Here are some of my thoughts on why I think that this possibility needs to be cast aside and my small choice shouldn’t be questioned.
One piece of jewelry does not define the unique story of who I am today. Often times, people make the assumption that those of us with unique accessories are bored millennials with too much time on our hands. What they don’t realize until they look on paper is that I am the president of my class, I participate in independent biology research, and I have been given honors within my department for academic accomplishment. I think we all need to take a lesson from our old elementary school books and take the additional five minutes that it takes to get to know a person before we come to judge them.
One cannot talk about this issue without remembering that often times it is not those interviewing you that are the most concerned with your cosmetic choices. Often times those in charge worry about the perceptions others you may deal with in the future. For me specifically, most worry that coming into contact with an older individual in a healthcare setting with my additional metal will give the patient pause. To that, I say let’s deal with the situation when it presents itself. Granted, their first impression may be one of discomfort, but do not doubt that I will do my utmost to change their mind as quickly and completely as possible. Professionalism is not defined by one physical anomaly. It is a state of mind.
I know that this issue will not change overnight, but I think this is a valuable conversation that we need to be having. I think the best way to go about this conversation about new concepts of professionalism is with an open mind and with respect. After all, nose ring or not: a meaningful conversation cannot be had if common ground isn’t found. The best way to challenge the convention is by living in a way that proves it completely wrong meaning working hard and continually doing your best. When all is said and done if people don't like me for who I am that is one thing. If, though, someone doesn't like me for one style choice...well I guess they'll never know what they missed.
