DEAR ABBY: I've never written to you, but a recent letter in your column has motivated me to share my experience with tattoos. Some parents were concerned that their bright, responsible daughter had "betrayed" her decent parents' beliefs and values by getting a tattoo.
I, too, was a popular, bright high school student. I was class valedictorian, president of the National Honor Society and a National Merit Scholar. I had my choice of colleges and scholarships, and initially chose a small, church-affiliated college. I later transferred to a large state university where I graduated with a 4.0 grade-point average and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
After leaving graduate school, I worked as a volunteer teacher for Vista (the domestic branch of the Peace Corps), then I became a federal law enforcement agent and have been in that career for the last 16 years. I am married and have three wonderful children and am active in my church.
And guess what? When I was 24, I got a tattoo! A rather small one in a relatively private place. I think tattoos are fascinating and would have another one were I not concerned about contracting hepatitis or some other disease from a dirty needle.
I have had that tattoo for 15 years and do not regret it or suffer any embarrassment because of it. I got it for myself, not for public display -- although those who see it may get a clue to the "inner me" not normally revealed to the casual acquaintance. Thanks for being an open forum, Abby. -- TERRY FREEDY IN GEORGIA