A New Chapter in Life

So.
This post may be rather emotional for some, but for others it might be more insightful. But first, lets take a look at a few pictures of me from random points in my life:

What do these pictures all have in common? They all have one recurring piece of jewelry in each of them: my nose stud.

August 3rd, 2011

This was the day I first got my nose pierced. It was a windy day in Ocean City and I was to go by myself to get my nose pierced in secret (lol), but my mom insisted that she come spend the day with me, so I had to tell her what I was aiming to do. Needless to say, she, as any mom would, flipped out on me and told me that she did not approve of my decision. Regardless, I was 18 years old so essentially I could not be stopped.

Once I got the piercing, it was love at first sight. I was just starting college and I was beyond excited to show it off to the world. 

Throughout the years, my piercing gave me a little bit of subtle with an edgy side. It was a great conversation starter (really any piercing is) and is small enough so it is not too distracting or a big deal when I apply for jobs. Since then, I have accumulated roughly 9 jobs and an internship with it and I have had no issue with it in regards to work...

...until now.

Currently my summer job that I am training for will not let me have my nose stud in because of their jewelry policy on facial piercings. At first I was dismayed upon hearing this however, I am considering taking a new approach to this change. I could try each and every day this summer to take out my nose stud and quickly put it back when I get off work after a long day, or... I could appreciate my nose stud for what it was worth and all of the fond memories I've made with it in the past 3 years. 

My next date of training is this Saturday, and I must have it out before I walk into work that day. As heartbreaking as it is to come to terms with this change, I feel that it must happen eventually. I will be in the working force when I graduate a year from now. I will be connecting with professionals who will give me all the tools to succeed in life. Since before college, I have always had a fire in me to rebel and challenge the norms of society, and even with something as small as jewelry, I was able to channel my inner (and possibly outer?) punk and show that I am willing to try new things. Now, I still evoke that ambition to try new things and I make it a goal of mine to continue to believe in myself regardless of my outward appearance.

My nose stud is and always will be a simple reminder that anyone can make a difference, no matter how small you are.