Even though it's the 21st century, there's still a lingering negative stigmatism associated with tattoos. Women are viewed as "rough around the edges," or on the other end of the spectrum: sluts. For men, anyone outside of the military is assumed to be in a bike gang or involved in criminal activity.

I'm here to encourage you to ignore the stereotypical descriptions your relatives use to describe others and get the tattoo you've been longing for. At the end of the day, the only opinion that matters is your own, and if you love it, then it was worth it.

Growing up in a traditional, Catholic household, tattoos were viewed as a sin and as a form of degrading the body God gave you. I never in a million years thought I would one day grow up to see the beauty in tattoos, and to appreciate them as a form of art and personal expression.

Fast forward to 2017, where I decided to get two tattoos within 6 months.

My first tattoo was a large piece across my left shoulder of three roses and The Beatles lyric "Let it be." I had wanted that phrase for about four years, but it took awhile for me to come to terms that it was OK to get a tattoo and go against my family's beliefs (and also prepare myself to face the needles). My fiancé (who was my boyfriend at the time) had two tattoos and convinced me the pain was bearable and the end result was worth it (and boy, was he right).

My second tattoo was a few months later and was part of a fundraising effort at a Lansing, Michigan shop to benefit the Capital Area Humane Society. It was totally a spur the moment decision, but I love it so so so much.

I go to school full time, I work full time, I wear professional attire when expected, and I carry myself in a presentable and mature manner at all times. I associate with some of the best and never mingle with those I feel may damage my reputation in any way, shape or form.

For these reasons, I feel it is wrong that I am still judged by so many members of society. You don't know me or understand my beliefs that my body is a canvas and that it should show my experiences in ways more than the scars on my knees do from countless bicycling mishaps as a child. My skin is me, and I think my ink is beautiful. I think I am beautiful. I think it is so very wrong to place me in a category that I have no business being part of.

My wish is for society to begin appreciating art in it's most permanent form and to stop judging others for living a life they're proud of living. I hope for people to view tattoos as stories along the way in someone's journey called Life. I wish for more acceptance and less hate. You don't have to love tattoos, or want them, but I do believe it's time you start acknowledging them.