Catherine Hernson
They are showing up on the sides of faces all across campus. They are a fashion statement, an increasingly accepted form of expression, and very popular among Cabrini College students. They are nose rings, and they have taken over.
A trend that began over a millennia ago, has throughout its history faded in and out of style, however it seems, the nose ring is back with a bang.
Resident facial piercing expert, Julian Smoger has not one but two silver studs in his nose, and a third in the form of a bull ring straight through his septum. “Nose rings are a way to accentuate the nose. I’m basically addicted to piercings, but I really feel like they increase physical beauty. That’s why I got mine.” said Smoger. “If you don’t like needles, you don’t like pain, and you aren’t willing to take care of it, getting a nose ring is a bad idea for you though.”
But the man of many piercings isn’t the only one rocking the nose rings these days. Many girls on Campus have jumped on the bandwagon as well. Heading down to South Street, Kadillac tattoos in Manyunk, or a number of piercing studios in the city, groups of friends are all biting the bullet and taking the pain together.
“I almost broke my friend’s hand.” Says sophomore resident Kelly Wayland of her experience under the needle. “I was so scared it would hurt that I squeezed her hand before it even started.” But Wayland was surprised that the pain wasn’t too strong.
“Tattoos hurt worse.” Was the general consensus when I asked a group of sophomore girls about their painful piercings. Everyone seemed to feel that the pain was worth the gain, as they all love the look.
Why are we suddenly seeing an outpouring of nose rings on campus? According to Carolyn McGettigan, it all began with her. “I started the trend.” Said McGettigan. “I got mine done last semester and suddenly all of these followers wanted to be like me. That is where it all began.”
No matter where the trend started, students have quickly become surrounded by the shiny silver nostrils of their classmates. They are nearly inescapable around here it seems. So next time you are in the Caf, or sitting in class, glance to the side, look behind you, or maybe even at your roommate right next to you. Chances are, someone in your social circle is sporting an ever popular nose ring.
