My first tattoo experience was interesting. 20 dollars was all it took to earn months worth of loud sighs from my parents. I went with a girl I met on the internet. We decided to get matching arrows on our inner wrists. “The act of getting a tattoo is therapeutic,” said the nearly toothless man as he dug the needle into my wrist.

Many people ask me what my tattoo means. In all honesty, when I got it, I just liked the aesthetic of it. For a while, I would make up something like "follow your arrow" or "shooting towards the target." I started to realize it honestly doesn't matter. If you want a tattoo, you should get one. The act of getting a tattoo is actually very meaningful. It creates its own meaning. For me, it was almost a "coming of age" act.

Despite the needle digging into my skin, the pain wasn't as bad as expected. Different parts of the body are more prone to pain than others, such as the foot and wrist. If you close your eyes and breathe, you'll be okay. Just be careful of what artist you choose. Some do different kinds of work. Do your research beforehand, to make sure you aren't getting an unsafe tattoo. Also be sure to avoid extreme sunlight and water for the first few days after.

Granted, if you have a giant face tattoo then you may experience a little more discrimination in the workplace. However, in many occupations tattoos are viewed as less taboo. Channel 8 news was there to cover the event I attended when I got my tattoo. The cameraman and the reporter showed me their various tattoos. So the good news is, my adventure won’t prohibit me from my intended job field.

Tattoos and body modifications, in general, are excellent ways to express who you are and where you've been. If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, you should go for it. It's your body and if you truly want one, do it. Every time I look at my tattoo I don't feel regret. I think of my experience and I am happy that I decided to go through with it, even though I was super nervous.