Getting his tongue pierced was Cliff Sims' original plan Tuesday, but piercer Kevin Tarbell ended Sims' hopes of getting something he thought would be "making a statement."

The Olivet College physical education freshman came to Splash of Color, 515 E. Grand River Ave., with three of his friends.

After filling out legal and medical forms, Sims was well on his way. But Tarbell, a business senior and store manager, informed Sims that piercing his tongue would not be in his best interest after conducting a preliminary examination.

"You have too large of veins in your tongue," Tarbell told Sims. "Your veins will make your tongue piercing more susceptible to infection."

Sims was left with no other choice but to reconsider his dream of a tongue piercing. And then he decided to pierce the top portion of his left ear.

Tarbell penned in dots where Sims wanted his ear piercing and Sims quickly agreed to the location of his new piercing. Then, Tarbell had Sims laid down on a medical bed.

"I'm getting nervous," said Sims. "Chris, give me your hand."

Olivet College education freshman Chris Quackenbush reached his hand out and the comfort calmed Sims nerves.

"I hate needles," Sims said to Tarbell.

"It'll be quick," replied Tarbell.

Tarbell prepared the piercing needle for the procedure.

Sims looked at his friend smiling. He also smiled, but his face quickly turned to a red, tightened expression. As soon as he made the face, the procedure was over.

"How was it?" Tarbell asked.

"Painful and over," Sims said.