I was kidding... As you can see in my photos, I've got quite a bit of ink. But I definitely agree with you: high school tattoos are always garbage. When I was seventeen, I had some "great" ideas for tattoos that I just KNEW I'd want forever (including some skiing related ones that I'd drawn up), and now, ten years later, I'm very glad that I never got them.
Take it from me: if you are unsure of what you want, just wait. There's no reason to rush getting your first tattoo just to get one. I have two really shitty little tattoos that I got when I was 18 and 19, one of which, people see everyday at the gym when I put my hair up because it's behind my ear. It looks like a three-year-old took a blue Sharpie to the back of my head, so now I've got to spend a bunch of money to eventually get it covered.
Wait a year or two and save up your money so you can go to a great, reputable artist. Check out the portfolios of a bunch of artists in your area until you find one who has a quality and style that you like. The best artists are always the most expensive (mine's $160 an hour), but think of it this way: you're stuck with it FOREVER, so choose wisely. Just like with marriage: if you go cheap, fast, and out of convenience before thinking long and hard about it, it'll cost a lot more to get rid of it.
Even if you wait a couple years and you're still not 100% sure what you what but you have some sort of idea (mountains and skiing related, etc.), then go to that great artist that you've found and bring him your ideas and some photos of things that you like... pictures of mountains or tattoos or whatever that you like. He/she should then be able to take your material and ideas and draw up some sketches of something that you might like... After all: they're called tattoo ARTISTS for a reason. An artist can draw up their own custom material instead of just tracing a stencil from flash on the walls.
Do NOT be afraid to give your honest opinion on anything, either... If they draw something and there's a little tiny part of it that you wish were different, then speak up! You're paying good money for something that will be on you permanently. If the artist gets upset about it, then maybe you need to find someone else. All good tattoo artists understand and appreciate this. Good luck.
