There are many decisions that you will make during your time here at OSU. Some are rather insignificant such as where to go for dinner or what to wear to class while others have much more significant consequences, such as choosing your major or roommate.
Very few, however, are as difficult to undo as having that tattoo of a frog giving a peace sign removed. Sure, you can eventually get it laser removed, paying a ton more for this painful process, but it will always be somewhat visible, physically and perhaps emotionally.
In the spirit of disclosure, I want to say I do not have a tattoo or plan on getting one. This is a religious choice coupled with the fact that it is a commitment I am not ready to make. This is not, however, about condemning or condoning tattoos but giving serious thought before going under the needle.
Many of you are away from home for the first time, no longer under the reign of your parent’s regime. You are truly free to make independent choices and experiment. That is what college is about; learning more about yourself and becoming comfortable in who you are.
Expressing yourself has never been easier. You may be thinking, “What better way to express myself than through a tattoo.” Having been around the higher education world for the past dozen years, both as a student and working professionally, I have seen my share of tattoos. I have seen students covered in tats to those with ones you would never see unless they showed you. I have seen the good, the bad and the downright ugly (too many people my age regret those Taz devil tats).
Like most of you, I love a good story. Often many of the tattoos have their own story. What I am trying to convey to you is this: What is your story and what will you be saying in a year, five years and 20 years from now about it?
This is something you should really think about. If you are not convinced yourself, then simply wait. You have plenty of time. This should not be a spontaneous decision. Forget the peer pressure. I can assure you any idea at 3 a.m. on a Saturday night after partying needs to be revisited when your head is clear.
There are other alternatives and that is why OSU keeps the unique clothing shops and piercing places in business around campus. Nothing wrong with trying a new hair color or style or adding a little hardware to yourself – they can be easily reversed. Try a henna tattoo of what you want and see how you feel about it a few weeks later. With tattoos however, there really are not any “do-overs” here, so make sure you are 100 percent committed. The art of ink is alive and well. I just want you to think long term.
Seth Fishman is an Ohio State doctoral student. He can be reached at [email protected].