To all the baby boomers who I have encountered before:

Save your breath and stop insulting me for having my nose pierced.

Shift your glares and stare at the sun instead for all I care.

My nose piercing has been a part of me since October 2015, and it is an addition I am proud to have on my body. I am sure that all my peers with their own piercings and tattoos feel the same way about their additions as well. Even more so, I bet they are all familiar with the sneers, comments and assumptions baby boomers make about their piercings and tattoos. 

My nose piercing is more than just a diamond stud— or on the occasion I want to spice up my look, a gold hoop.

First and foremost, it is historical. It was my first teenage rebellion I led and won against my parents. With my own money and without their knowledge or permission, I made my first friend in college and now current best friend, Jordan, make a pit stop at a local tattoo shop minutes before we had to attend one of our sorority’s mandatory events. Because of the adrenaline rush I felt from the spontaneity and impending disappointment from my parents, I barely felt the piercer pull the needle through my left nostril.

When I came home for Thanksgiving break, it took a few days for my parents to notice. When they finally did, they did not exchange a giddy smile with me or high five me like Jordan did. Instead, my dad asked me if he could take it out with a wrench and my mom almost cried. But guess what? They got over it. And if my parents can get over it, then so can you, baby boomers.

Second, it is inspiring. After my younger sister saw that my parents didn’t explode upon seeing my nose piercing, she did not hesitate to let her own nostril go under the needle when she finally started college. It was an addition she loved about herself and I loved about her too before it tragically closed up after she lost her nose stud while sleeping. Gone but never forgotten, baby boomers.

Last but most certainly not least, it is something that I love. Ever since I have gotten my nose pierced, I have felt more confident and more beautiful than I ever have. I always told myself that I would take it out when I graduate college, but this simple piercing has become a part of me that I cannot remove. It is a part of my identity, in a way. On the outside, it gives me an edgier look that mirrors the style I like to replicate. But really, it makes me feel like a badass—even on the days when I struggle to love myself the most.

I guess this all just boils down to one thing: if you don’t have anything nice to say, baby boomers, please don’t bother to say it at all. It will not offend me, but it will be a waste of your time. I love my nose piercing—I wouldn’t proudly wear it all day, every day if I didn’t.

Carole Hodorowicz is senior journalism major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or cdhodorowicz@eiu.edu.