By ASHLEY BANKS

Staff Writer 

In today’s world, tattoos are seen as commonplace. 

It seems like almost everyone has at least one, if not more. 

In fact, research done by the Pew Research Center shows that 38 percent of the millennial generation, which ranges from age 18 to 29, have a tattoo.

There are many reasons young adults get tattooed. 

According to Medermis Laser Clinic, 36 percent of people surveyed reported that tattoos made them feel more rebellious, and 19 percent said that they felt more attractive with tattoos. 

I know plenty of people that don’t give much thought to what they are putting on their body—or where they are placing it. 

For those people, the determining factor on what to get tattooed is whether it looks “cute” on Pinterest. 

It should go without saying that tattoos are permanent. 

You should think long and hard before making the decision to put an image on your body forever. 

Take some time to think about what you are wanting to get done, and if you would still want it ten, twenty, or thirty years down the line. 

Tattoos should hold meaning for you personally, and shouldn’t be done just because its trendy or popular to have one.

Tattoos can be a form of self-expression and art. 

They can also be a source of discrimination in the workplace. 

Sooner or later, we will all leave the confines of a college campus and enter the real world where we will be expected to find a real job. 

Employers might not find the infinity symbol on your wrist quite as appealing as you do. 

Especially if you are wanting a job dealing with customer service, you should put some thought into where you place your tattoos. 

Visible tattoos can be looked down upon by older generations, and they could potentially hold you back from finding a job.

Tattoos can be a beautiful form of self-expression, but they are also a major, life-changing decision and should be treated as such.