Fresh Ink!

I got a new tattoo! Here is an explanation of the three components.

The Eye of Horus (The all seeing eye):

The eye has so many names, meanings, and nuances tied into the sun, moon, math, our senses, healing and protection. The beauty is that I can adopt the meaning into my life as I see fit. This is just one myth that I identify with:

Horus is the Egyptian sky-god, usually depicted as a falcon. In an epic battle, Seth (an evil force) killed Horus’ father, and gouged out Horus’ eye. The eye was broken into six pieces each can be drawn out separately and has a separate meaning (sight, smell, thought ect…) Then the eye was recovered and offered to Horus’ father to restore his life. The eye is often worn for protection and represents sacrifice and healing.

When I look at the eye on my arm I am reminded first of the sacrifices I have made and continue to make for my profession. I have delayed many luxuries in my personal life to go to school (not to mention all the student loans!) The Eye of Horus represents where I’ve come from.

 Also, it not only covers me with healing and protection but anatomically I chose the specific location based on this simple concept: an embrace. When I embrace people—my friends, family and patients—the hope is that I can also cover them with healing and protection.

The Laurel Wreath

Following sacrifice, I hope for achievement. Here is how the laurel leaves are used:

In ancient Greece Laurel was used to form a crown or wreath of honor for heroes, scholars, and poets. Laurel became the symbol of triumph in Rome as well as in Greece. The term "laureate" derives from this tradition. Some believe that "bacca-laureate", the name for the university degree of bachelor, owes its origin to this revered plant.

The idea of the leaves is that hard work pays off. It has already paid off, I have a bachelor’s degree in biology and I was just inducted into a Phi Lambda Sigma, a pharmacy leadership fraternity. Incidentally, Phi Lambda Sigma also uses laurel to represent the charateristics of its members.I’m nearing the end of pharmacy school. The laurel leaves give me hope for myself, that I can do anything if I work long/hard enough at it.

The Bowl of Hygeia

Hygeia was a goddess of greek mythology and her bowl has been adopted by the pharmacy profession:

 In Greek and Roman mythology, Hygeia, was a daughter of the god of medicine, Asclepius. She was the goddess/personification of health. While her father was more directly associated with healing, she was associated with the prevention of sickness and the continuation of good health. Her name is the source of the word "hygiene".

 Her bowl holds medicine and the snake wrapped around it represents wisdom. In pharmacy, this is an esteemed award given to pharmacists for exemplary community service. At last all the pieces come together. The reason why I’ve sacrificed and hope to achieve: for my community. This portion of the tattoo is on the inside of my left arm, close to my heart. Only visible when I flex my hard working muscles or open up arms to embrace others.

Overall

I haven’t quite decided which community I am going to serve. I am ok with that. With this constant reminder on my arm, I feel at ease. What I am doing for a career is less important than how I go about it. So that is my tattoo: sacrifice, achievement, community service. It is a compass to guide me and a stake to ground me.

I was awarded this for the work that I've done in Rural areas.

Phi Lambda Sigma Pin!
The mortar and pestle, which bears the letters of Phi Lambda Sigma, is surrounded by a wreath of laurel, symbolic of leadership and wisdom.  The date of our founding, 1965, appears below the mortar and pestle.  Our colors are green and gold; green, symbolizing strength, and gold, symbolizing fineness of character.
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