Turning 18 is a big milestone in a young person’s life, symbolizing newfound independence and the beginning of adulthood. For high school senior Bryah Walders, this milestone was marked by the decision to get a tattoo. When asked why she decided to get a tattoo, Bryah said: “In a society that typically frowns upon body art, I chose to embrace my individuality through a permanent form of self-expression.” Tattoos have long been a popular choice among young adults, providing a canvas for personal stories, beliefs, and passions. Pictured here, Bryah is getting a tattoo that depicts a bunch of larkspur and aster flowers, and an acronym that spells out “TBIYTC.” She shared that “…it represents my grandma who passed a few years ago that had cancer. Ever since I was little, something she would always say to me was ‘The best is yet to come,’ which is what the letters stand for. The larkspur and aster bunch are my grandmas birth flowers, and this tattoo characterizes me growing and living through everything she taught me while she was alive”
For this senior, she advises how the decision to get a tattoo was “…deeply personal and should only be made after careful consideration.” For Bryah, this was something that signified her ability to make choices about her own body and appearance. Whether it’s a symbol that represents a cherished relationship, a quote that encapsulates personal growth, or an image that captures a special memory, getting one when she turned 18 became a visual representation of her journey and serves as a reminder of her coming of age.