Posts tagged al d scholars

Point 84: The Al D. Scholars

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ANJI AMARJARGAL

I was fortunate enough to be chosen as one of the eight Al. D Scholars this year. Just accepting the fact that I was actually going to be attending Conference was beyond belief. For someone coming from a country where there’s no community for piercers, I would get to attend seminars, meet my idols, and make new friends who have the same passion for body piercing. It is the biggest thing that has happen in my career as a piercer. Needless to say, the fact that I’ve never been to Las Vegas made it even more exciting.

The biggest advantage of being a scholar— which I never would have realized beforehand—is that you will become part of a big family and the best group of people, the Volunteer group. I was so naive to think the APP was this huge organization and Conference just happens. In reality what makes Conference happen is the amazing people in the Volunteer group. Just thinking I was there to help make this big event take place makes me very happy. Also my heart wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I went without mentioning my appreciation for Caitlin, who is the hardest working bee there is. Being the head of the Volunteers, she did an outstanding job on managing us from the very beginning and making sure we stayed sane through the busy week of working and learning.

The week was an emotional rollercoaster as the things I used to pray for were actually happening. When you’re from somewhere as remote as Mongolia, Las Vegas and the APP seem like a million miles away, something unattainable, yet there I was in Las Vegas at the APP Conference meeting Elayne Angel, Jim Ward, and many other amazing industry professionals from all over the globe. Caitlin made sure we, the Scholars, got to attend classes in addition to our work; they truly care about people who want to learn, improve, and sharpen their skill-sets related to body piercing. A huge thank you goes out to Badur Ramji from PunkMedics, who helped the Al.D Scholars make our dreams come true with his donations.

This week is going to be my highlight each year going forward. After everything I have witnessed there is no way I want to miss out on it again. Classes were well organized and were exceptionally interesting. The effort speakers put into teaching was very inspirational, for no reason other than sharing knowledge and helping us broaden our horizons, it was so heartwarming.

What I have gained after the week is gratitude, knowledge, and more  love  for  the  art of body piercing. For anyone out there  who has never been to Conference, I would highly recommend going! They say it’s life-changing, but you never truly understand how until you experience it yourself. I would call it The week of self polishing.

Luis González- Fierro González (partner) and Txas Norris (Al D. Scholar), photo by Shanna Hutchins

BECKY CROSSAN

Before getting   on the plane, and even during the journey, coming to Vegas for Conference had an unreal quality to it, as though it wasn’t something I was really brave enough to do. I’d thought about applying for years previously, but had always found a reason to miss the deadline and put it off for another  year. This year I was fortunate enough to have the support and encouragement of some friends who are previous Scholars and I finally set myself the challenge of sending the application in.

Until I actually arrived though, and started to meet people in person who I had previously only interacted with online, the whole thing felt dream-like. It’s difficult to put into words what this experience has meant to me. It has been transformative, not just in how I approach things as a piercer as I return home to my studio, but also in how I perceive myself. There’s been so much to learn and so much work to do, but what has really made Conference truly special has been the people.

I’ve met some amazing and inspiring people throughout this week and I feel very fortunate and honoured to call them my friends. It sounds cliché, but I tend to think that people in our community often feel like outsiders and like they don’t really quite fit in. For me, attending Conference felt like a homecoming and a sense of belonging to a community of people who understand.

As I reflect on this experience I want to say thank you to everyone who made it possible and everyone who made it so wonderful. This whole experience has shaped my confidence, happiness, and sense of self worth in more ways than you could ever know.

Al D. Jon Saltzer had no idea what he signed up for when he became a volunteer.
Photo by Al D. Scholar Zakk Boyer.

DANIEL WRIGHT

In today’s booming world of piercings, it’s easy to get bogged down looking at Instagram and Facebook only to see piercers  from all  over  the globe going to big conferences,  expanding their knowledge, networking and picking up the best jewellery money can offer. You, meanwhile, are left checking your bank balance and quietly accepting that you will never be one of those people…the Al. D Scholarship can change this.

As a recipient of this scholarship, I was given an opportunity that most people can only dream of and that was to leave my little English city and attend the most well known and respected conference in the piercing world: The Association of Professional Piercers Conference in Las Vegas, USA.

Upon arriving I was thrown straight into the mix, sharing a room with someone I had never met and put into a large group of other volunteers.

My feelings quickly changed from apprehension to sheer excitement as it became evident that these were the friendliest,  most dedicated  members of the piercing community. They give up their own time each year to set up and run Conference and have formed a family which they accepted me into with open arms.

Over the course of the five days I was running around, checking badges here, working the door there, all the while being given the opportunity to sit in seminars and classes with some of the most knowledgeable professionals around today. I can’t say it went down without a hitch; on the first time working on the door of a class with a fellow Scholar, the network went down on the scanning devices. Although I felt as if the world was going to swallow me up, as over a hundred pairs of eyes gazed at me patiently waiting to enter the classroom, all of the Volunteers in the area banded together, jogging off to the office, telling those in line that there has been a delay and mentally supporting the two newcomers. Within minutes the problem was sorted, finished off with a pat on the back and the reassurance that it is all okay.

Early mornings turned into late nights and the day were filled with friendly demands from others such as “Drink more water!” and “You look hungry, go and eat!” The support was invaluable along with the experience, and within the blink of an eye it was all over. Going from a nervous piercer, alone in a massive city not even in my own country, still trying to come to terms with the fact I (over other people) had been gifted this amazing opportunity, to being completely inducted into my new family. I left with my head held high, brain brimming with all of the knowledge I had gained, and a tear for the new friends I would have to leave.

So this goes out to anybody considering applying. Even if you don’t think you stand a chance or even if, for some crazy reason, you think you don’t deserve it, APPLY! There is value in everyone and this whole experience is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. It will completely change your outlook on your professional life as well as your personal one.

 I applied to the scholarship with a day or 2 left before applications closed and didn’t for one second think I would get it, I put it to the back of my mind and figured that if I just forgot about it, I would escape disappointment. Yet here I am now, writing about my experience. I need to finish this with a massive shout out to Caitlin McDiarmid for being Mama Duck to all of us ducklings and the unshakable support and dedication she puts into Conference each year, also to Badur Ramji of PunkMedics for funding my Scholarship as the real life Willy Wonka. You made all my dreams come true and more. Without you, people like me would never have gotten the chance to travel out to Conference. Thank you for your continuous hard work in keeping Rick Frueh’s name alive.  Forever Learning.

DEBBIE MOORE

I remember the day that Caitlin told me I would be going to Las Vegas; there was a blizzard happening in Ireland. Everyone I knew was enjoying and playing in the snow, but     I was so nervous awaiting Caitlin’s call that I could do nothing but sit and anxiously wait. The time came and when Caitlin called she simply said “so… you wanna come to Vegas?”

I was so happy  I  cried  and  replied “yes of course, thank you!” while my Girlfriend danced around our kitchen screaming with excitement! That’s how much it meant to me and my loved ones. To be the second Irish piercer to attend the Conference and be an Al D. Scholar was such a huge honour!

When the day finally came I must admit I had  reservations stepping onto the plane as it was so daunting being in the company of  so many piercers I admire and aspire to. But stepping into that first meeting with everyone clapping and welcoming us and when Caitlin gave me my badge it was such an amazing feeling! Something I’ve wanted for so long was actually happening!

Were the work days long, and was it stressful at times? Yes. But through these stressful long days there was Mama Duck herself, Caitlin, the person that made this possible and the other Volunteers checking that we were ok, that we had food or water, and if we needed rest. We were and are a family! Getting to be a part of this family, taking classes, and meeting legends such as Elayne Angel and Jim Ward made it a life changing experience, one I hope to repeat again next year.

JON SALZAR

I had my Piercer awakening back in 2014 when I attended the Fakir Intensives and learned some very vital information about autoclaves and their effectiveness on luminous objects, why you want quality jewelry with internal threading and much more. I was given a piece of advice, “you need to make it out to Conference,” and decided that was my next goal.

The next few years were spent moving shops to be able to work with quality jewelry and sterilization equipment, so I could ethically stand behind my work and not knowingly cause unnecessary harm to someone. I became an APP Member, then ran into a weird work environment which forced me to take a year sabbatical and figure out if we were going to leave my home town or stay and try to build a better piercing culture for ourselves and our customers. We chose to stay and build a new business with all of its hurdles, but we made it and had the studio meeting environmental standards within the first year. I also wanted to try and make it to Conference this year, seeing as I had missed three years since my time at the Intensives. I felt like I was missing out on my need for continuous learning.

When I applied for the Al D. Scholarship I had no idea that I was going to get it. It was more like a shot in the dark and hope for the best. My partner the whole time kept saying “you got this babe” and I would respond “you never know, it’s anyone’s game.” I am grateful for the time that Caitlin, Cale, and Ryan all put into the selection process. These amazing people volunteer their time so fortunate piercers like me can have an opportunity to learn and grow as an individual.

When Cale called to announce the winners I was stunned and started to freak out because I had admitted to them during interviews  that even with the scholarship I didn’t know if we could afford to get me out to Las Vegas.

We found the money to get a ticket (I should also mention that I work two days a week painting houses and three nights as a bouncer at a bar. I’ll sleep when I’m dead right?) so it was going to happen! I picked my classes and went through the volunteer training online. I freaked out a few times before coming, thinking that this was not happening or “how am I going to be received by these amazing people at Conference?” Then the day came and I reluctantly left my family. I’ve never spent more than four days away from my partner in ten years and that only happened once. I got on the plane and flew out to meet Gus Diamond and Ken Seyler at the airport to split a cab.

My idea of what I was going to get out of this trip was to soak up as much knowledge as I possibly could in the week’s time I was there and to network. I wasn’t sure what networking meant, expected it to be something along that lines of meeting the man that sold me and everyone else their autoclave, Brian Skellie.

I landed and met up with Caitlin to touch base and that’s when it began. I met the sweet Kendra Jane who basically offered me cookies as a greeting and Badur Ramji (the awesome man behind funding a good number of us Scholars to be there in the first place) and from there it just kept on going. I met up with Shorty and John Robberson, fellow Florida piercers, and we ended up taking a valuable tour of the hotel and surrounding area to get a lay of the land and a feel for Vegas. 2 o’clock in the morning rolls around and I’m like “oh man, I have to be at volunteer training so early tomorrow,” so my bad decisions of not wanting to miss out probably started that night (and it had been less than 6 hours.)

In the training meetings I started to meet the enormous team of volunteers that help make Conference happen and started forming friendships and mentors that all truly turned into family by the end. They broke down the walls of that feeling of being the new kid at school and just acted like I’d been part of the class the whole time. Zach Fitzgerald (or loud Al D. Scholar from 2014) was always there to check I had my water and was staying hydrated. Alicia Lowe was always there in the sea of people at the bar having fun, but still looking out for us new people.

It was nice to know that support was just a few steps away with any of the Volunteers and that they had your back in a place so foreign and overwhelming. This comradery was not only shared with the Volunteers though, it was anyone and everyone that had come to attend Conference. No one passes judgment and we all just get along. We are all there for the good of our industry and that truly is what I got from Conference. We are all awkward people and that’s cool, we are also an ever-growing family of piercers and that’s even cooler.

Thank you to everyone that I met and had a chance to connect with, this opportunity felt like a dream, but the connections that I made and the new family that I have at the end of this trip makes me know that it wasn’t a dream at all. Thank you again Caitlin for everything!!! And thank you to my partner for always believing in me and making this happen even though we couldn’t afford it. I can’t wait to introduce you to our new extended family next year.


Clockwise from the top, Àngel Armengol Docio, Daniel Wright, Nici Holmes (returning new volunteer), Alicia Lowe (returning new volunteer), Anji Amarjargal, Becky Crossan, Txas Norris, Debbie Moore, Zakk Boyer, Jon Salzer [all 2018 Al D. Scholars except Nici & Alicia]. Photo by Anji Amarjargal

ZAKK BOYER

As I sit here in the airport surrounded by people with no names and just faces, I can’t help but think back to my amazing week. To those of you who are reading this, remember I am just a message away. You can call on me for any reason and I will do my best to help you.

I can’t thank the following people enough from the bottom of my heart. First and foremost Caitlin McDiarmid; you, ma’am, are the backbone of the APP. I am so proud to say that I was one of your Scholars, one of your ducklings, and now one of your volunteer children. You give the best hugs and have made me feel accepted from the start of the whole process. Badur Ramji, what can I say about this man? He gave me and others one of the best weeks of our lives. If it wasn’t for you I would not have had this opportunity. You, sir, are one of the biggest supporters of this industry  and the APP. You give a ragtag bunch of outcasts an opportunity to grow and succeed. You have given me more fuel to continue my beloved piercing career. I will be forever grateful and in your debt. I will always remember you and what you have done for me and the other Al D. Scholars. Without these two people I would not be writing this today. They are both amazing from the tips of their toes to the tips of their noses and have two of the biggest hearts I have ever encountered.

Moving on to my fellow volunteer family members. There are too many of you to name and thank for showing me so much support and so much love, excitement, encouragement, and for welcoming me into your family with open arms. I have never felt so welcomed and not like an outsider in my life, I love each and every one of you and I cannot wait to see and hug each of you at next year’s Conference. You guys and gals are some of the best people and I know that I will always have you in my corner and hope that you all realize that I am in yours as well.

To my fellow Al D. Scholars of 2018 WE DID IT! We did it and survived. If there was a test, I am sure we all would have passed. You guys are awesome. You’re special. You’re beautiful. And you are all my family. I am glad to have met all you guys and have you in my life. We came, we saw, and we conquered. I am proud to call all of you my friends.

My experience as an Al D. was probably one of the single handed best experiences of my professional piercing career. It was a lot of hard work, but worth every second. We all had breakdowns, but brought each other back up. I can’t say enough how grateful I am to everyone involved with this experience.

The whole week of Conference was such an amazing and surreal experience, from meeting some of the founding Members to the man himself, Jim Ward. This is not an experience that I have taken lightly. It has done so many things for me, from opening doors, to opening my eyes. It has helped me set new amazing goals for myself and my current studio. I had so many highlights, it is really hard to pick one of my favorite moments or people. The friends and family I have made through this experience are mind blowing. Now, being home and back to work, I am getting my feet back under me, and it is time to get to work.

For those of you new and scared of going to Conference, please read these words and know that you can do it. Apply for the scholarship, ask to shadow, ask for help, get critiques, and always remember we are just as scared as you. When you do go to Conference it will change you in the best ways possible and if you see me there, don’t hesitate to come up to me and ask me anything or to introduce you to someone. This is what we all strive for and this is what it’s all about; learning, growing, and being forced out of our comfort zones. YOU CAN DO IT!! To all reading this I leave you with these words. You are awesome. You are beautiful. You are special. And you are important. Do not let anyone take away from what you strive to be, for you may be your own worst enemy, but we are your support and we are here for you.

Point 80: Meet Some of our Al D. Scholars

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Marina Pecorino with Scholars: Saku Pentilla, Alicia Lowe, and Michelle (Mitch) Rose

ERICA MARTIN – AL D. SCHOLAR

As I watch Las Vegas disappear from my plane window, I have so many emotions flying through me. Holding back tears, the only certainty I feel is that I could never have a year without Conference ever again. Being a mother and wife takes so much effort from my small amount of “work free” time that having friends, especially those outside of the industry, isn’t a possibility and the few friends I  do have are mostly coworkers. I was and still am baffled that in one week’s time a group of complete strangers can not only work together seamlessly, but bond in such a way that now I couldn’t imagine not knowing these beautiful souls. Everyone was so incredibly welcoming and supportive, constantly looking out for one another and ensuring their fellow volunteers/attendees were eating or getting enough water. I kept hearing everyone throw around the word family before attending, but it’s true. It’s a thousand best friends leaning on one another, swapping tips, asking questions, or just sharing a cup of coffee. It’s a week full of love and support from people with the same struggles as you, coming together for the same common good.

The classes were absolutely life changing. Even just knowing that you’re doing things correctly and affirming you’re doing right by your clients is a wonderful feeling. Those small AH-HA! moments where a simple thing clicks or that conversation about a new or different technique really is just so invigorating. As sad and hard as it is already being away from those kindred spirits, it’s fantastic having that blood flowing again and being recharged and better prepared for my clients. It’s great to take back what you have learned to improve your studio and be able to think critically and make smart changes to your environment for the better- ment of you and your clients.

I also have to give a special thanks to the Al D. Scholarship Committee and Punkmedics (so much love for Badur and my Punkmedics PALS) for giving me and my other Scholars this opportunity. I will never accurately portray the love and gratitude I have for all of you (thankfully I can at least write my feelings down instead of inaudibly blubbering, tears streaming, snot and all). These people work so incredibly hard behind the scenes and then on top of that, try and give other Scholars like me this life altering adventure (for me 11 years in the making). I hope so very much to be able to have the opportunity to volunteer again next year, but no matter what, from this year forward, I’m a new permanent face you’ll see at Conference. A year’s time in between seeing your family is hard, but I wouldn’t miss it for anything! See you all next year!

Erica Martin & Nina Rennie
Al D. Scholars
Photo by Matte Erickson

JESS FARRAR – AL D. SCHOLAR

I can see how Conference and the entire Vegas experience is considered overwhelming to an Al D. Scholar, being that a lot of us are from different  cultures and countries but I have honestly never felt more at home than I did that week with all of you at Bally’s. I had no idea what to expect going into this and even now I’m struggling to put it into words, the best way I can describe it is, for me, a formative experience. I am not the same version of myself coming away from APP as I was in the run up to it, and that is thanks to each and every person I met and interacted with that week. Kind words, encouragement, so many high fives, and being fed occasional snacks does a lot of good! It was due to the confidence instilled by my volunteer family that I was able to fully enjoy this life-changing week, meet people in the real world who I’d only previously spoken with in passing online, and take away new friendships and relationships as well as a bundle of knowledge from the incredible selection of classes I took. Simultaneously learning and working was more manageable than anticipated, which left me with more energy to make new friends and get outside (my two weaknesses!). I feel like I attended Conference at the right time for me, and it’s definitely a cornerstone in my piercing career.

Jess Farrar
Al D. Scholar
Photo by Matte Erickson

NINA RENNIE – AL D. SCHOLAR

It’s  June  20th,  several  days  after  Conference; the slowest and quickest nine days of my  life. As an Al D. Scholar this year, we have been asked to write about our experience working with the APP for the 2017 Conference. I say with and not at because I had the pleasure of working alongside the greatest friends I will ever meet. I won’t lie, it was a struggle and difficult to work the long hours and still find the energy to push on, but it stretches beyond that for me. I woke up with a strong sense of purpose and felt that I was needed. Without the help of the Al D. Scholars, volunteers, Caitlin and many others, would there be a Conference for us to enjoy? Many of my peers and fellow piercers had come to us personally and publicly to thank us for our solid work. To have these people, who I have barely spoken to over the internet or merely admired from afar (being afraid they wouldn’t give someone like me the time of day), personally thanking us for putting the show together? I could feel the appreciation sink into my heart.

Eleven days ago I jumped on a plane to another country to learn and to give my best, not knowing what was in store for me in Las Vegas. What I received in turn, however, was everyone else’s best, as well as their love and support. I spent a lot of my time during Conference feeling overwhelmed, forgetting to take care of myself and making sure other people’s needs were met before my own. I did not mind, though. As long as my friends, teachers, and other volunteers were happy, I was happy. To be apart of this professional organization is a gift in itself. I learned many things about myself and those around me while I was working. Growing up, I did not have lasting friendships because I was that “weird” kid. Floating around, from friend to friend, trying to find  a sense of acceptance or even just to belong somewhere. Coming to Conference this year has changed my long and painful life of being alone and unaccepted by those around me.    I was in an area filled with a thousand nerds and weirdos just like me, and professionals at that! I was unafraid to push on and unafraid to show these people who I am and what I’m capable of, just by being in the same room. We all came together, from all over this beautiful globe, to learn from each other and to teach; even if it wasn’t in a classroom.

The sense of friendship and acceptance was the thing I have been searching for. The APP brought this to me, and I have eternal gratitude for showing me I am no longer alone. I have learned great things from my teachers and from my friends. I learned that it’s important to keep tissues on hand because if you met me this year, you know all I did was cry during Conference. I learned a true sense of community and that no one that I came into contact with thought they were better than me. My educators are regular people, and my friends and volunteers are regular people too. People who are living with crippling anxieties, insecurities, and doubts much like myself. We all come together once a year for the betterment of one another and hopefully put those other things aside. To ask for help, to learn, to make everlasting friendships and family. We leave our comfort zones and push on to grow as individuals and develop as human beings. If there is one thing I have truly learned working with the Conference this year, it is that I will never be alone again. Thank you to everyone at this year’s Conference, from the tippy top of my heart, to the bottom of my boots. Without any of my friends I have made on this journey, I would not be here typing out this essay. I worked hard to be here in this moment, but not without any of you.

Hugs and sloppy kisses!

ALICIA LOWE – AL D. SCHOLAR

Sometimes you have to lose before you can win. Last year I applied for, and didn’t receive, the Al D. Scholarship. Looking back, it was one of the best things that could have happened for my career. At the time of my first application, I was at the height of depression. Working in an environment that had no desire to change and no room for growth, I felt trapped. I saw the scholarship as a way to better myself and improve my situation. Every day, I checked my email hoping to be told I made it to the next round. That message never came.

Initially, the letter informing me that I did not make the second cut felt like a crushing weight. I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried. The tears did eventually dry, and I found clarity; the scholarship wouldn’t change my situation. It wouldn’t bring better quality jewellery into the business, nor the support from my employer  to make necessary changes. I had to make the changes myself. I had heard about a job opportunity from a friend, and decided to try.

Once again, I checked my email frequently with hope. Once more, my email revealed disappointment. Over the course of a few weeks I went to work thinking I was able to hide how I was feeling. I was wrong. My employer had heard about my application and had chosen to let me go. My world around me spun out of control. Having been a piercer since an early age, I didn’t know what else to do. The next move escaped me. I decided to reach out to my network about the situation I found myself in. A piercer I knew allowed me to come in to shadow him, as well as talk.

After shadowing with him, it allowed us to open a dialogue regarding employment. He could only offer me a few days a week, but I was willing to try. I was happy to finally be in an environment that cared about their clients, and offered good quality jewellery. Around this time, I became aware of another shop in a different city that was also looking for a piercer. I nervously reached out once more to be sur- prised by another opportunity. Over the next several months, I travelled weekly back and forth between both businesses. This experience lead me to wanting to apply a second time for the Al D. Scholarship. Both of my employers were in my corner every step of the way this time. Their outpouring of support gave me renewed confidence that allowed me to discuss and submit my experiences over the past year.

Having previously applied, I had a better sense of what I really wanted to say this time around. Submitting was the easy part. Waiting for the phone call with the decision had me on pins and needles for days. When I answered Kendra’s phone call, my heart was in my throat. Every moment we talked I felt like my chest would explode until I heard the that would forever change my life, “Pack your bags! You’re going to Vegas!” I almost dropped the phone in disbelief!

The next few months were a blur as Conference rapidly crept up on us. Packing kept the nerves at bay, at least until arrival. The thought of being under the same roof as so many talented piercers from all over the world was enough to make my head spin. As each of the Scholars arrived one by one, seeing faces just as shy and nervous as my own helped to remind me that I wasn’t alone. I was not the only one feeling this way.

The first meeting with the volunteers helped to set the tone for us. They were warm, kind, and eager to help at every turn. No question was too silly, no moment overlooked, and some even did daily check-ins to make sure we were still doing ok and enjoying our classes. Every moment spent with them was full of smiles and care. It was an instant family I never knew I needed until the moment I met them. A family I am so grateful to be a part of. I really can’t thank them enough for everything they did, and continue to do.

The classes were incredible in so many ways. From Revisiting Basics: Tongue Piercing with Ryan Ouellette to Navel Piercings: Advanced Fundamentals with Jef Saunders and Luis Garcia; all were great classes. They helped to not only change how you approach a piercing, but to hear piercers you respect and look up to suggest similar techniques you’re using helped to reaffirm you’re doing something right. All of the speakers were very easy to approach with questions both during and outside of classes.

Conference has also helped me to gain the confidence I needed to continue reaching out to others and have less fear asking to shadow others or ask questions. A week after returning home, I reached out to Rob Hill and was able to spend several days shadowing with him at Prysm Body Piercing. Seeing things that were discussed in the Strategic Marking class applied first hand was incredibly eye-opening and I don’t believe I would have ever reached out to Rob had I not attended Conference.

I cannot say enough how unbelievably grateful I am to have had the opportunity to attend, as well as for everything else the experience has given me. My drive to continue to better myself has risen far higher than I thought possible, and I’ll be coming back every year that  I can. A piercer I know once asked me, “How far are you willing to go?” The answer may not be Vegas, but it’s a great start.

Alicia Lowe
Al D. Scholar
Photo by Matte Erickson

SAKU PENTILLӒ – AL D. SCHOLAR

It really was an honor to be selected as one of the Al D. Scholars this year. The process of applying came to me in the summer of 2016 when I was talking to a friend at a small suspension meeting and he asked if I would be interested in going to the Conference, and of course I was! He told me to contact Andre Nalin when I go to Germany for BMXnet. While there, I had a conversation with him, Nicole Holmes and Marita Wikström (previous Al D. Scholars) and they all told me that I should apply for the scholarship. Coming alone from Finland was the biggest cause of anxiety for me, but after three flights I met Caitlin at the airport and I knew I had made it.

When we had the first meeting with all the other volunteers, I knew that we would rock this year with all those motivated people getting together to make the Conference awesome for all the attendees! Getting used to the climate was impossible though, so I tried to stay indoors as much as possible. I arrived on Thursday, so I got to see what the casino was like before all the attendees started arriving. When the casino started filling with our group, I saw many faces super excited to see their other family and learn from the best of our industry. It made me feel butterflies in my stomach.

Work days were long, but with the volunteers taking care of each other like a little family they were surprisingly easy and FAST! You woke up in the morning and in the blink of an eye it was time to go to bed again. The classes were awesome and informative, and I returned home with my head buzzing from all the new techniques and ways to improve myself as a piercer. The Expo was everything I imagined and more! All the pretty people and jewelry! I bought lots of pretties and my first pair of new hooks, which I can’t wait to try out.

It really was a great opportunity to make friends and network with people from all around the globe. Meeting your idols face to face is something you never forget. If it would be possible, I would like to live in a Conference all day everyday! Thank you to all the attendees for making the Conference unforgettable, and to all the other volunteers for treating me as a part of the family. Love you all!

Saku Pentilla
Al D. Scholar
Photo by Matt Erickson

Point 76: Conference Volunteers

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2016 Association of Professional Piercers Conference Volunteers

2016 Conference VolunteersAl D. Scholars
Aldo Booth Gissi
Angie Van Dijken
Anthony Watts
Fabrício Cardoso
Hannah Bough
Jamie Biggers
Jane Absinth
Juan Manuel Mora
Maree Fowler
Nicole Holmes

Managers
Sarah Wooten
Will Spencer

Registration
Kendra Jane B
Theo Sheffler
Anna York
Badur Ramji
Tiana McGuire
Marina Pecorino
Stephanie Hill

Info Booth
Jezebel Voulé

Merchandise Booth
Casey Hosch
Danny Greenwood


Raffle Booth
Aaron Foster
Ken Seyler
Zane Nichols


AV
Aiden Johnson
Allen Falkner
Brian Moeller
Gus Diamond
Paul Ranier
Shana Gyure

Mobile App Helpdesk
Shorty Calma
Ryan Clark

Classroom Doors
Chadwick Jackson
Mike McInnes
Seven Wolfe

Multiple Stations
Andre Berg
Andru Rogge
Dianna Brown
Frankie Pistone
Hika Kiekenupp
Ismael Vargas Guerrero
Jacob Spjut
John Robberson
Jose Carlos Salgado
Julie Taylor
Kenny  Hughes
Logan Wright
Luna Duran
Marita Wikström
Mark Montgomery
Monica Sabin
Zach Fitzgerald

2016 Association of Professional Piercers Conference Volunteers
2016 Conference Volunteers – Banquet Dinner

Point #60: Al D Scholars

Comments Off on Point #60: Al D Scholars read Awards & Recognition

Ken Seyler

I have been a professional body piercer for almost 20 years, and have been attempting to attend the APP Conference for approximately the last 10 years. Due to one thing or another, I have never been able to attend. I had heard of the Al D. Scholarship, but I never believed that I might be able to receive it. This year, due to some prodding from friends in the industry, and a stern “you must!” from someone I dearly love and respect. I threw my hat in the ring.

The application process was fairly simple and straightforward; the most nerve wracking part was the telephone interview process. I’m confident in my speaking skills and my ability to express myself clearly. Knowing that I was being interviewed by some of the people that I look up to could be a little disconcerting. However, I managed to make my way through it relatively unscathed, and so the waiting began.

As I waited to hear whether I had been chosen or not, I found myself believing that I wouldn’t be selected. I thought I would be passed over for someone more deserving, or who was younger or newer in the industry. I fully expected not to be chosen. When I did get the phone call saying that I had been accepted, I was in a state of shock. My boss said that my face went white and my jaw dropped open. I was completely astounded that I had gotten it, and I could have wept because I was so thankful and grateful. Truth be told, I still feel that way.

I had been accepted and there began my nerves. I had to deal with all of the new, important information about what was expected of me as an Al D. Scholar. I was also going to be doing my very first guest spot in a studio two provinces away while my home was in the process of being sold, while looking for a new place to live. Needless to say I was pretty stressed, but I was also super excited to be going to Vegas.

Time flew by and the next thing I knew I was on my way: nervous, exhilarated,tired, and a little bit frightened. After I got myself settled I was off to find Caitlin and the other volunteers; I expected to be put straight to work. Before I knew it my day of work was finished, my fears eased, and the nervousness began to melt away.  Finally came the chance to meet and talk with people I had only ever met over the internet. I was taken aback by how friendly and personable everyone was, a sign of a great week to come.

The following day was a blur of meetings and introductions as we prepared for the of Conference. Although I was kept very busy I just could not shake the surreal feeling I had, this was a dream come true. In fact, I found it difficult to fully absorb the fact that I was finally involved in something that I had wanted to do for years. The absolute clincher was when I was introduced to Jim and Drew Ward. I truly had a surreal moment when I shook Jim’s hand. I can remember thinking, “Oh my God, I’m shaking hands with Jim Ward…JIM WARD!!!” That moment will live with me forever.

The rest of the week was just one fabulous experience after another. From getting to meet and talk with piercers that I have looked up to for ages to taking the courses offered, absorbing so much new knowledge, or in a few cases, and also having the confirmation that I had been doing things correctly all along. The sense of camaraderie among the volunteers, the laughs— oh the laughs—the tears, being exhausted, everything was so much more than I had ever imagined.

I could ramble on and on and on about everything that I experienced during my first APP Conference. Instead, I will sum it up by saying applying for the Al D. Scholarship was the best thing I have ever done. It kicked my passion for body piercing into overdrive, allowed me to make some fantastic new friends, and it made me a part of a family bigger than I could have imagined. I cannot thank the committee that chose me enough. I am still humbled and grateful for the opportunity that I was given. I would certainly love to come back next year not only as a volunteer but as an APP member.

Monica Sabin

Never has a single week impacted me as much as attending the APP Conference as an Al D. Scholarship recipient. It was an almost unreal experience that was over before I knew it. This was my second year attending conference, and it was substantially better than my previous year, in which I was not a volunteer.

I believe Caitlin (who you will get to know very well while volunteering, if you don’t know her already) put it best when she said that I was now part of a family. It is very much that way. It was a lot of work, at times having to choose sleep over partying, learning to think on my feet, and  adapt to the circumstances at hand. However, If you can handle that, then you will reap the many benefits. One such benefit is the amount of love and support that people put out during the week in Las Vegas. My volunteer position this year allowed me to meet so many more people and form even deeper connections than I anticipated. These connections showed me that Conference will be what you make of it. By paying attention and asking the right questions at the right times, you’ll learn great tips, tricks, and what quality shops may be hiring. In this process you will make friends around the world, building a great network for your future career.

Being at Conference was such a high of amazing nonstop feelings, that coming home doesn’t compare. Yes, I missed my bed and I missed my friends, but arriving home was such a haze for me. I missed everyone at Conference and the energy of it all. Now it is time to take that intensity and energy and apply it to my piercing career. I cannot be thankful enough for those who helped me get to where I am in my career, and those who put faith in me by awarding me the AL D. Scholarship. One thing is for certain, I will be back next year, and I hope that I can join my piercing family again in volunteering and contributing to helping others have an amazing conference experience.

Andru Rogge

Conference is a lot like summer camp. You’re nervous and afraid to go, but once you get there you never want it to end. This was my third year attending Conference. I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to see Conference through three different lenses. I have been as a fresh-faced and new apprentice, as a piercer, and this year as a volunteer and scholar.

It was an honor to be chosen as an Al D. scholar, and I had an utterly amazing experience, which pushed me out of my “turtle shell” as Caitlin put it. I came home with a fire in my belly to make positive changes, big and small, as well as a desire to share the things I had learned with my shop family.

It was a great comfort knowing that there are still so many people out there like myself who have total love and passion for our industry and what we do. I also felt a deep sadness knowing that APP always comes to an end and we all have to head back to our respective corners of the  world. There was so much laughter and enough memories to last a lifetime. It was a whirlwind of fun, work, and sleep deprivation all adding up to pure raw exhaustion. However, it was worth it every minute; I feel like I grew in many ways and for that I am truly thankful.

I now have a better understanding of all the hard work, sweat, tears, and endless amounts of time that Caitlin, the Board members, and volunteers put into making every year the best it can be. I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be a part of this experience. I can’t wait for next year.

Bree Grant

From the moment I set foot into the hotel at the APP 2012 Conference, there was an electricity in the air. I must admit, since this was my first APP Conference, that it was a bit overwhelming (not to mention somewhat intimidating being in the same place as so many talented, like-minded, and beautiful people).

Receiving the Al D. scholarship definitely changed my life for the better, it was a dream come true. I had the chance to meet so many people whom I respect and could not wait to learn from. Just being able to talk shop with the other attendees was an eye-opening experience. Before I became an Al D. scholar, I never knew that working so hard could be so much fun.

If I had to give advice to anyone coming to Conference for the first time, it would be to come out of your shell and take advantage of all the knowledge people have to share. It may be intimidating seeing people who you may have admired from afar, but I urge you, take a deep breath, and go introduce yourself. You never know who you may meet or what you may learn.

There are so many reasons why Conference is worth the time and money to attend. The classes and workshops are exceptional, and full of useful knowledge. Even for those who are seasoned veterans in the industry, there is always something to be learned. The exposition speaks for itself, which is good as it may leave you speechless. There is more gorgeous jewelry than you could shake a stick at. At APP you will find the people are amazing, the learning is world class, and the fun, well it never stops. Volunteering for Conference was definitely an exceptional experience and I would do it all again in a second.

Edward “Ned” McCarthy

If I had to describe my first Conference experience, I would have to say it was quite possibly the most influential week of my life. It was a rollercoaster of a week full of ups, downs, and surprises. I had the incredible opportunity to meet and bond with some of the most amazing friends that I will be able to grow and learn with for a lifetime. It was not necessary to stand with groups of people or be involved in conversation, I felt love even just standing in the middle of the conference hall. Being able to watch every person in attendance smiling, loving life, made this whole opportunity worthwhile to me.

I also had the opportunity to learn some amazing techniques from some of the most talented practitioners in our industry and to learn directly from my role models. I came away from this weeklong conference not only with thoughts of applying the techniques but how I work within this industry, as well as how to be a better person. I feel more level headed, confident and an all around happier since I have returned home. I will be back again every single year that it is physically possible for me to attend. It is an experience that I will look forward to every single year. I would not trade that week for anything in the world.