Webster Ware Jr., 29, has a sun tattoo on his right shoulder. It is a “reward” for coping with the past couple of years of his life. “It reminds me that no matter how bad the situation gets, the sun always keeps shining.”

Ware is one of the many Cerritos College students adorned with the permanent art. Though Ware got the tattoo to signify a particular phase in his life, others may do it to rebel against parents, to be part of a latest trend, or to show their pride in religion or heritage.

Catey Chamberlain, business major, has “Mommy’s Little Monster” tattooed on her right ankle. “That’s what I am. I am mommy’s little monster. At first my mom was unhappy about it, but then she noticed it mentioned her and she began to like it.”

Chamberlain advises students, “If you get a tattoo, remember that it is forever. Also, if you’re gonna get one, don’t get vulgar.”

The Aztec calendar covers Marcus Redondo’s left shoulder and arm. “I am of Aztec heritage and I am proud.”

Other students choose tattoos to satisfy religious beliefs. Mikaela Sanchez has the jewish Hamsa tattooed on the nape of her neck. “It represents the hand of god. It is a good luck charm.”

“I wanted to show my parents that I am an adult,” said child development major, Denise Ruiz. “I got the sun on my back because the sun always rises around your shoulders.” Ruiz and her fellow drama club members also got matching star tattoos.

Ami Sylvester’s father took her to get her first tattoo. “It was a graduation present from my dad. I got the ladybug on the leaves because I love ladybugs. I got it in the small of my back because I think it is attractive and I can also hide it.”

Annabelle Perez has a colorful tattoo of a heart with the word “Sugar” on her right calf. “It signifies pain and endurance. Sugar is my father’s favorite song so I decided to include it.”

Tattooing has been performed as a decorative practice since ancient times. Nowadays, it is used for popular purposes and even cosmetic permanent applications. A recent study showed that tattoos are most popular among young adults 18-25 years old. Tattoing, involves multiple intradermal injections of the skin by a small machine having one or more needles. The site of application usually takes 7 to 10 days to heal.

Doreen Pagano, student clerk, plans to get a tattoo by the end of this year. “I’ve wanted one ever since I was a little girl. I can get it simple, then embellish it in time. I am not afraid of the pain nor of getting an infection.”

Two significant risks associated with tattooing include allergic reactions to the pigments and exposure to blood-borne diseases. Charles Gale Jr., Director of Health Services at Cerritos College, advises students to “go to a reputable tattoo artist who is licensed. Ask questions and make sure he is using gloves and clean needles.”

Removal can involve painful surgery or dermabrasion and possible scarring. “Sometimes the scars are as bad as the tattoo,” Gale said.

“Some people get them to be part of a trend then decide they don’t want the tattoo any more and spend more money getting rid of it. It defeats the whole purpose of getting tattooed. It makes no sense,” Ware said.

“Think long and hard before getting a tattoo,” Gale said. “I suggest students try temporary tattoos. See if you like it and if you do then you can be sure of what you are getting.”

Gale also reminds students that tattoos may not be acceptable in certain settings. “Other people may not appreciate your tattoo as much as you do. Employers may not want to hire people based on their appearance.

“Remember they may fade, lose their color or you may change your mind about it 20 or 40 years from now,” he said. “But the tattoo will remain forever.”