I’m proud to have permanent artwork on my skin. However, I am not a canvas, and I am not a painting. I am a human being with intellect, skills, goals and passions. One of those passions just happens to be tattoos. I’m a hardworking and driven 19-year old college student, with five tattoos and counting. I have pictures saved on my phone, quotes in my notes and a tattoo fund jar on my desk, which is slowly but surely collecting my spare change (except for quarters, because those make up my laundry money).

When my parents ask me what I want for my birthday or for the holidays, my answer is always the same: another tattoo. Bless their hearts for being so supportive, which is sadly not the case for a decent amount of people I’ve run into. When people see the tattoos on my body, I usually get the same questions. “Won’t you be upset when you’re old and wrinkly and the tattoos are misshaped?” or, “What happens when you come to regret them?” and then my personal favorite, “What will you do when you can’t get a job because of them?” My usual answer is a shrug and simply saying “To each their own,” because I’ve grown tired of defending my decisions on what to do with my body. However, it's become difficult to sit idly by as my choices and success are constantly questioned. So, here are my top reasons why I will never be ashamed of my tattoos.

1. Ink on my skin does not decrease my intelligence.

I have a high GPA, I excel in my classes and I recently got inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, which is the international historical honor society. I study hard and am proud of my academics. Tattoos don’t take that away.

2. When I’m old and wrinkly, then I’ll be old and wrinkly!

Do you really think that I’ll find my tattoos gross once I have wrinkles? No, my tattoos will help hide my liver spots, and I’ll be very thankful.

3. Regret isn't something I associate with my tattoos.

My tattoos have meaning and thought behind them, and I love them all. They’re not something I’ll grow to dislike in a couple years. And even if someone has a tattoo without meaning, that doesn’t mean they’ll find it a mistake, either. Something permanent doesn’t always lead to regret.

4. They do not influence my capability.

I’m hardworking and dedicated. I’ve worked since I was 16 and will continue to do so, except now I’ll be doing what I love. A tattoo on my skin doesn't mean I can't do my job as efficiently as, or even better than, a person without them. Just like the color of someone’s hair or skin, a tattoo doesn't determine how good of a job I will do. That’s up to me.

5. They make me feel more beautiful.

I’ve always enjoyed standing out and being different. Tattoos help me flourish in that aspect. They make me feel more confident and more myself. I’m a better and improved me with them, and for that I’m thankful. I’ve never been prouder to have something in my possession forever.