Stephanie Bricker
Student Writer
Warm weather is slowly but surely approaching us, one day at a time. Every day we come closer to March 20th, flowers appear, jeans become cuffed and you may start to see more tattoos! During the lovely summer-like weather last week, I found junior chemistry major Sarah O’Boyle in her Chacos and asked her about her spring-appropriate tattoo.
What tattoo do you have and what does it mean?
I have a poppy flower tattoo on my ankle. Poppies are the flowers of remembrance. I got it to remember my grandfather, who we called Poppy and who passed away in 2011, and my uncle who passed away last spring. I got it as a meaningful representation of my love for those family members that have passed away, and a reminder to myself for the caring lives that they lived.
What was the process of getting your tattoo like? Did it hurt? Did you take anyone with you?
I had been thinking about getting the tattoo since the spring of 2017, which is when my uncle passed away. One day I was in Harrisburg with two of my friends and just decided to do it. I called all of the local tattoo parlors with good reviews, and Drop of Ink said they could take a walk-in. I showed Jade [the artist] a few pictures of what I liked, and she took a few minutes and designed my tattoo for me! Because of the placement on my ankle, it did hurt, but just really when she went to the part on my ankle bone. The rest of it just felt like a cat scratching really hard, but it was so beautiful when it was done so it was totally worth it. Also, it helped that I had two of my friends there (shout out to Becca Ford and Kathryn Yoder) who were trying to distract me from the pain.
What are some common questions you are asked about your tattoo?
The most common question that I get asked is “did it hurt?” My answer is always, “yes! of course it did!” It’s definitely not a pleasant feeling, but that’s not a reason not to get one. I also get asked, “what does it mean?”
Do you want to get more?
I would love to get another tattoo! I have been thinking about getting one related to my faith. I’m not sure what it would be, so it’s just a vague concept at this point.
What is something you want people to know about your tattoo/getting tattoos?
I know everyone has heard this at some point, but tattoos are permanent, so it is a big decision. But don’t be afraid of taking the plunge! Eventually, it just becomes part of who you are and what you look like. And for me, I love that the meaning I attach to it is now a part of my physical body; it’s such a cool feeling! I also love that I get to carry around someone’s art with me forever. Tattoos are a unique form of expression and art and I love the variety that comes from that combination. So I would say to someone considering a tattoo, why wouldn’t you want to become part of such a unique and artful form of expression?