After watching my mother get a beautiful tattoo on her calf, I found myself absolutely entranced with the idea of getting one myself. In my home state, it's legal to get a tattoo with parents permission once you turn sixteen, and that was exactly what I planned on doing.

Although some of my friends expressed their envy over the fact that my mom was so laid-back over my decision, there were definitely many people who opposed it. My father, in particular, stated that tattoos were "unnatural" and thought I was tainting my skin.

Even though I didn't want their words to affect me, they inevitably did. I knew I was young, but I also knew that I really wanted to get this certain tattoo. But would it stretch out with age? Should I avoid doing it on areas that I think could still grow? Would my young age heighten my chances of negatively reacting to the ink? Was I truly "tainting" myself?

This uncertainty persisted for about a year, to the point where I considered dropping the idea and just waiting to get the tattoo until I was eighteen. I was already seventeen at this point, so I could be patient for a little longer. But every time I looked over and glanced at the artwork my mom had, I was reinsured that this was what I wanted. I didn't have to worry about regretting it because, after a year of contemplation, I knew exactly how to perfect my original design.

My mom and I traveled to the same artist that did her piece and discussed the logistics of the piece I had in my head. I wanted something different, but it didn't exist. Within in a few days, the artist found a way to draft my messy idea into a masterpiece. The moment I saw her sketch, I knew that I needed that to be on my body forever.

My tattoo incorporates my family member's favorite flowers (a rose for my father, a peony for my mother, a dahlia for my brother, and a sunflower for my two sisters) into the shape of a recovery symbol, to show that they have been essential in my journey. They have supported me in every step of my life, and I wanted to wake up and see this tattoo every morning. It serves as a reminder that not only encourages me to push through my struggles, but shows me that I am always loved by the people who matter most.

Of course, some teachers offered judgmental stares and occasionally comments, since many people argued that I did not come across as the "type of girl" who would get a tattoo in general, let alone at a young age. At the end of the day, it's not about whether or not other people support you. If you're young and you want to get a tattoo, and you're absolutely certain that this is something that will always hold significance to you, then go for it.

Or, even if you just want something pretty on your skin that doesn't have this symbolic value to you, go for it still. I recommend considering whether or not you may still want a geometric giraffe on your ankle in the future, but if it's what you want, I'm not here to stop you.

Art is a form of human expression, and I am grateful that we have found a way to incorporate art into our lives permanently. I can look at my forearm and remember to persevere, whether it's during a particularly difficult day or whether it's simply over attending that 5:00 PM lecture.

Celebrate art and celebrate your body. With parent's permission, of course.