Florala

Issue date: 3/17/05 Section: News

THIS MAY STING A LITTLE-Experts from West Coast Tattoo will offer tips.

Kim West knew she had to try something different.

West is a resident assistant in Hawthorne Hall, and her duties include organizing programs for her floor's residents.

Every RA on campus is required to coordinate four programs each semester, including at least one that involves a UNA staff or faculty member.

To fulfill this requirement, West and fellow Hawthorne RA Brenton Allen are giving a "Tattoo & Body Piercing Awareness Seminar" program in Towers Cafeteria on Tuesday, March 22 at 8:30 p.m.

"The program will have a few people talking about taking care of tattoos and piercings," said West.

A team from West Coast Tattoos in Florence will explain what they do and what to look for when getting body piercings and tattoos.

"The purpose of this program is to educate students so they won't regret getting a tattoo or body piercing," said West. "Hopefully, they will know the facts before making a decision, instead of after."

She said she found the idea after reading a Web site posting by Kevin Jacques, a UNA associate director of housing. Jacques did the same program as an RA when he attended Clemson (S.C.) University.

Since West is also required to include a faculty member in her program, she asked Cindy Wood to speak at the program. Wood is the director of Bennett Infirmary, a veteran of the U.S. Army and a registered nurse.

"I chose her, because being a nurse, she knows a lot about tattoos and piercings," West said. "She also fills the faculty member spot."

Amber Privett, a junior majoring in communication, will offer a student's perspective.

"Always make sure that your tattoos or your piercings are credible, clean and thorough," Privett said.

After the speakers are finished, there will be a question-and-answer session. Admission is free and light refreshments, including pizza, will be provided. Also, rub-on tattoos and stick-on earrings will be given away.

West expects the program to last about an hour. She hopes that at least 50 people will attend because the program will be useful, especially since spring break starts in two weeks.

"The purpose is not to encourage or discourage," she said, "but to inform people to make a more well-thought-out decision."

Editor's note: Kim West is The Flor-Ala's copy editor.

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