I remember when I wanted to get my first tattoo. I thought they were so intricate and interesting. When I was little I was taught that tattoos were bad. And that tattoos were marked on bad people. As I grew up I realized that bad people don't necessarily have tattoos. But there has always been a misconception around tattoos and body art.

Now that it is 2019, tattoos have become more normalized. However, I actually had to go behind my father to get my first tattoo. I knew he would be mad at me for getting one so I didn't tell him until afterward.

I think tattoos are beautiful in every way! I have 3 tattoos now and they all mean so much to me. I love wearing them every single day. Tattoos are pieces of art. Some people get them just for fun. Some people get tattoos to revel. But all my tattoos have special meanings!

Back when I was in 8th grade, I wanted my first tattoo. I started loving elephants and what they stand for. I told my mom and she actually wanted to get one too! However, I had to be patient, because I was 13 at the time. You have to wait until you're 16 years old (with parent's consent).

By the time I turned 17, I battled hard against cancer. Right after my brain surgery, my mom brought up the idea again. I had totally forgotten about our promise. The tattoo I had wanted forever ago! So we got them! And I put it on my wrist, a place where I can see it all the time and every day. It reminds me of what I've overcome in my life and it reminds me to be strong!

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My second tattoo also has a lot of meaning. It was a decision a few of my family members and I decided on. It says LOVE. My grandfather is suffering from early onset Alzheimer's. We wanted to do something special for him. So why not get the word LOVE in his handwriting?

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My third tattoo is probably my favorite one! My brother and I wanted to do something special. So we decided to do hands holding number 1 and number 2. Since he's older he got the 1 and I got 2! A lot of people think it is a sign of peace, and I agree with them. So it's pretty cool because it has multiple meanings. Again, it's in a spot where I can see it and it reminds me of family and my relationship with my brother.

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Unfortunately, It has been hard for me to find a job, due to my newest tattoo. I've applied for many jobs and I've gone through interviews. But they judge me after seeing my tattoos. I personally don't think that my tattoos are offensive. They are things that mean so much to me! I wish more people understood the reasons why I got my tattoos. I hope that sometime soon everyone will be open to tattoos.