I told myself that when I got my first work study paycheck that I would put it toward something fun. I have been wanting a tattoo for a really long time ( for the last 3 years), so I began sketching it out over the last month. I knew that I wanted a monarch butterfly and my sister's name around it.
So this weekend I was walking around town with some fellow parentless UVMers, when one of my friends mentioned that she wanted to get her tattoo touched up. So I told her about this great place that I had been checking out. She asked me if I wanted to go with her and get mine done while hers was touched up. I jumped at the chance! It was sort of a spur of the moment decision, but I couldn't wait.
So there I was in the lobby waiting anxiously with my two floormates. I was so nervous but excited after having watched Inked, Miami Ink and LA Ink religiously over the summer. My tattoo artist came out sketch in hand, it looked amazing!
I sat down in the chair and could hear the buzzing of the needle. Then I felt the needle against my skin, and at first, ill admit, it felt like someone was dragging an Exacto knife across my shoulder. But then after a while i got used to the odd feeling of the pulsating needle and it felt sort of relaxing in a sense.
Any ways, I am really glad that I got it. It means alot to me, because it symbolizes my sister who passed away when I was 11. My family and I remember her by a monarch butterfly, because thats the animal we saw the day she passed. And the funny thing is that everyday I have been up at UVM, I see one whenever I am walking to class.

- Charlotte Snowe