There’s something special about the newly found freedom that comes with the first couple weeks of the school year.

Students can get away with all the activities that make their parents cringe, such as getting a piercing or tattoo, which suddenly becomes more appealing now that they’re independent.

This cultural phenomenon of getting poked and inked after departing from home can be linked to an act of rebellion or a declaration of absolute freedom – at least until Thanksgiving. Or perhaps they’re fulfilling a life-long dream of being the hottest girl in the dorm with a navel ring or the toughest guy on the block with a Jolly Roger on one of his biceps.

But in any case, one local store embraces the wants of experimental college students by offering professional piercings and tattoos.

Tobe Drew, owner of On the Edge, a piercing and tattoo studio located at 136 North Main Street, said tattoos and piercings are accepted more because many celebrities proudly display their body modifications on television.

Take Steve-o from the show Jackass, for example. He tattooed an image of his own face across his back and has since been inspiring angst filled teenagers to follow his lead.

“The many stars of MTV, Comedy Central and the NFL have made it more extreme, but people have been modifying their bodies since the beginning of human life,” Drew said.

Drew takes tremendous pride in the fact that his business is thriving. On the Edge has succeeded outside of Bowling Green by operating another branch in Findlay.

“Business keeps getting better thanks to all the college students,” Drew said. “I like catering to young people by providing them quality work and educating them.”

Before students make the decision to get their bodies inked or punctured, they should know the potential risk factors and how to avoid getting an infection.

According to Drew, people who want to get a tattoo or piercing have to realize certain safety measures. These include making sure the packages are opened in front of your eyes where you can see the sterilization indicators, checking for biohazard containers and knowing that the artist has the proper licensing.

Many places can pass the test of cleanliness and health regulations but there’s something unique about On the Edge – it doesn’t feel like a tattoo parlor. It’s much fancier than other tattoo shops providing two leather sofas for patrons to lounge on while they pick out their permanent body flare.

“We tattoo more lawyers, doctors and professionals because we make them feel comfortable,” Drew said, adding he has even tattooed several celebrities.

Sam Olivieri has been a professional piercer for four years, and has worked at On the Edge during the summer.

“It’s not like any other job I’ve had,” Olivieri said. “People recognize me as a piercer when I go out. It makes me feel like I’m famous.”

Compared to other places Olivieri has worked, she said On the Edge is “the most clean and well-run shop I’ve ever worked in.”

“Customers can put confidence into us because we know what we’re doing,” she said.

Even other piercers and tattoo artists give credit to Drew and his company.

“I’ve been called the Godfather of Tattoos,” he said, adding he has been practicing his art for 16 years.

But for the “Godfather of Tattoos” the rewarding part of his job does not rely on the fact that he is the best tattoo artist in this town.

It isn’t because he is the most experienced in his line of work.

It’s not even the profit he makes from the numerous students revolting against their parents.

“It’s knowing that I’m not painting on a canvas someone might throw away,”