Getting inked: Students express themselves

She holds her friend's hand as an artist etches a masterpiece into her skin. The pain of the process will come and go, but the creation will stay forever. When the tough gets going, her foot now bears the permanent reminder of "Attraversiamo," or "Let's cross over."Sophomore Emma Vierheller is one of many of today's young adults who has decided to get a tattoo, a permanent and personal bearing. "It's a visible reminder that I can still be anything I want to be, and it's a symbol that I know is truly my own," Vierheller said.

Sophomore Olivia Smolder sports a Juicy Couture crown tattoo on the back of her neck, which she got with her mom two days before moving to college her freshman year. She was not worried about the potential reactions to her tattoo.

"It isn't the same to get a tattoo now as it was in previous generations. They're much more accepted. However, the majority of my friends were surprised that I would get a tattoo. They said I didn't seem like the type," Smolder said.

Both Dean's List students, Vierheller and Smolder are examples of people breaking the stereotype typically held by those getting inked. The original perception of the "biker chick" and "rebel child" has gradually changed throughout the years into a more accepted art form.

Sophomore Kaitlin Smith, whose back tattoo depicts a mermaid riding a dolphin, believes this stereotype continues to fade. "The public and society in general are seeing that tattoos have been around since the beginning of human culture and have always meant something to both the artist and individual," Smith said.

Junior Isaiah Hill, who wears a tribal tattoo on his arm, has known many respected adults who proudly display their tattoos. "There is a youth pastor in my hometown with a sleeve and a half of tattoos. There were also a few teachers I had, throughout my wonderful public education, who had tattoos," Hill said.

Sophomore Kylee Hamilton personally drew each of her three tattoos and is currently working on the design for her next one. She said the idea of personally expressing herself came to her first, and she chose tattoos as her outlet. "I first thought of maybe painting my room with all of my ideas, or making some sort of t-shirt, but then I wanted something more permanent," Hamilton said.

While the idea of tattoos being an art form is becoming more tolerated, it is still understood that going overboard is unacceptable by society's social standards. Sophomore Natalie Kaletta, who has four heart tattoos down her spine, believes tattoos should be suitable to these standards. "People should get them for any reason they want as long as it's appropriate. I hate tattoos of naked chicks and dragons and stuff like that," Kaletta said.

Sophomore Olivia Wilson and junior Megan Davis both chose designs incorporating personal meaning. "My mom has been 13 years breast cancer free, and I felt that the word 'love' kind of encompasses the support, joy and feelings that I have for my mom," Wilson said.

Davis's peacock tattoo was done after overcoming a tough stage of life. "I really took the time to think about how I felt and how I really wanted to express it. It was sort of like my stepping stone in recognizing that I am beautiful, and I can get over something like this, and now I'm free as a bird, and I can do whatever," Davis said.

Sophomore Emily Woolson, who has two tattoos, still believes the right reasons for getting a tattoo depend on the person. "Different tattoos are going to mean different things for different people, and some people want theirs to have important meanings while others may not. It all depends on the personality," Woolson said.

Sophomore Jay Brenstuhl, who wears a tribal tattoo on his shoulder, agrees with Woolson. "I think any reason is the right reason. It's their body and their right to do whatever they want to it," he said. Junior Julie DeBonis, who has two tattoos, agreed with Brenstuhl. "It's just a personal preference and decision that no one can put a moral or ethical label on," DeBonis said.

While tattoos have proven to be a great outlet of self-expression, it is important to remember they are permanent. Sophomore Jahmaal Jones, who currently has seven tattoos, believes a person should be ready to go through the process of getting something permanently marked on his or her body. "If you are just getting one to have one, then maybe you should really think on it before acting. Tattoos are not for everyone, so think twice before you get one," Jones said.

It was the right decision for Jones, however, as well as others who proudly wear their skin designs. As Vierheller released her friend's hand, the pain subsided, and her feet will now take her wherever she wants to go, challenging her to "cross over" in times of struggle.