Piercings are ways for many people to express themselves. Whether it’s due to their culture or the simple fact that they think that piercings are visually attractive. For some people, piercings are taboo, because they could hinder people from certain opportunities, like jobs. In this photo essay, students and teachers about their piercings. I asked them when they got their piercings, why they got them, and if they felt that it may hinder them from getting a job, or if they were worried about it when they applied for their job.

Gallery • 10 Photos

Jaila Root, 10, got her belly and ear piercing in September of 2019. “I wanted my belly to look cute,” she said. “I’m not worried about them because I can cover my belly and it’s just an ear piercing.”