Terver Ubwa

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My tattoo captures a celebration of life/love & acceptance of self/flaws. I lost a great friend 16 years ago, but the time I spent with her was a blessing I cherish, and her spirit is no longer bound to the flesh; so I decided to mark my skin celebrating her life, love & freedom. Knowledge/acceptance of self is difficult; I tend to like the "good" and detest the "bad". I marked my skin with a reminder to never detest my flaws and be at harmony with self.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

My tattoo would say I am lucky to be amongst the people who have experienced immense love and connection. My tattoo would say life is not always 'sweet", but the bitter is what I learn from and what ultimately enables me to enjoy the fruits of labor. My tattoo would say I (try to) welcome the uncertainty of life, value the transition between life's phases, and never forget my roots. My tattoo would say my mind is the only thing I have full control over as long as I exercise the will to do s

What would you do with the $25,000?

- Donate $1,000 to the B+ Positive Foundation. My mother’s sister was the mid-wife who delivered me and she passed away due to cancer, so I understand the impact of the illness on families. - Send $4,000 in total to members of my immediate family to join me in celebrating the prize. - Spend $10,000 on a Christmas trip/vacation to Africa. This is where my family is from and I haven't visited in 13 years. - Spend $5,000 on another tattoo. - Save $5,000 for the uncertainties of a rainy day.