When I got my first two tattoos (one on my foot and the other on my wrist), I didn't have to worry about whether or not I would be able to get a job if I had them. They were easy to cover up; all I had to do was wear closed-toe shoes and a watch. However, when I decided to get a tattoo of Africa on my hand, I simply didn't want to worry about the fact that I may or may not be able to get my dream job based on that tiny outline. Actually, I still shouldn't have to worry about that.

The only difference between a tattooed person and a person who isn't tattooed is that a tattooed person doesn't care if you're tattooed or not. - Unknown.

In the 21st century, more and more people are choosing tattoos as a form of self-expression, and we've reached a point where that shouldn't determine whether or not you look professional. If I (or anyone else for that matter) have spent upwards of $50,000 to obtain a degree in a field I hope to work in, you better believe I am going to be professional, tattoos or not.

I'm not saying that someone should be hired so easily if they have derogatory words or images inked on their skin, but respectable tattoos should not be a problem. More often than not, someone has already formed an opinion on me before I even open my mouth, or before they even look at my resume, just based on my tattoos. They may not have any idea that two of the four are Biblical, one is for my best friend and the other is to remember a country I hold very dear to my heart. I don't believe any of the above make me "less professional," and chances are, many others' tattoos shouldn't take away their credibility either.

Tattoos are becoming a norm in our culture, and I think that should be celebrated, not harmful to our futures. We are constantly told to express ourselves, our beliefs and our interests without worrying what others would think. The truth is, we do have to worry about whether our tattoos inspired by our favorite band, our tattoos symbolizing an important part of our lives or even our tattoos that we just thought were pleasing to the eyes, are going to give a future employer preconceived notions about us, be it positive or negative.

What our future employers should be looking at is not our inked skin, but our qualifications, proof of our dedication and again, a degree that we spent a lot of time and money on.