Tattoos in the Classroom

If you know Dakota, you probably know his tattoos. He has ten total, each with a different meaning. 

Dakota got his first tattoo at 17— a tribute to his grandfather. “It’s my last name in honor of my grandpa,” he said. The tattoo was done the same day his grandfather passed away, making it more honorable. 

Dakota explained that his first few were well-thought-out and planned, such as the matching tattoo on his calf with his dad. “It’s my favorite, it’s a lifeline with a figure of us in the middle.”

Dakota plans to get more tattoos for fun; he has explored the American traditional style, something unique. “Don’t get something that’s a trend, get something you like,” he advised. Reflecting on his tattoos, he has no regrets. “I love them, and I get them for a reason,” he said. “It’s art on your body.”

Max got his first tattoo just days before turning 15—his last name, which his brother and mom also have. For him, it’s not just a tattoo; it’s something that connects his family. “My brother told me we should get matching tattoos, so as soon as I decided to, I did.” 

His second tattoo is a rosary wrapped around his arm, which he plans on turning into a sleeve. Despite the confidence, there is criticism when it comes to getting tattoos at a young age. “People say to wait because you’re too young to get them,” he said. Max shared how he might regret them in the future, but for now, he doesn’t and plans on getting more.

The most important thing isn’t just the tattoo but what it represents. “I’d say for sure something meaningful,” referring to future tattoos. 

After turning 18, Dora had been planning on getting a tattoo; it was just a matter of time and money. “You know, when you plan and plan something, but it doesn’t happen, that’s how it was. One day I was like, yeah, let’s do it.”

Dora’s tattoo is influenced by Soul Eater, an anime she grew up watching. “It just reminds me of how much of a nerd I used to be. That part of me isn’t as shown as it used to be, but it’s a part that I hold onto.”

Dora exclaimed, “A lot of the stuff I do is on a whim, I am 100% going to regret it later.” For now, she loves her tattoo and plans on getting more in the near future.

To Amerie, her tattoo holds a special significance and spot in her heart. On her 16th birthday, she decided she wanted to choose a special way to honor her father. “It’s a cross on my wrist with my dad’s birthdate,” she said. “Personally, I want all my tattoos to have a meaning behind them.”

Amerie also shares how she is a religious person and believes that you shouldn’t judge others simply based on what’s on their skin. Because for a lot of people, tattoos almost always have a purpose. 

“My tattoo means a lot to me, because it reminds me of my dad,” she shared. “It’s also a good reminder to be grateful for the people you have in your life. Also, to not take things for granted.” 

For Kyndle, his tattoos carry a personal significant meaning. “It’s something you’ll have on your body forever—it should mean something,” he said. His first tattoo represents the brother he carries in spirit. “Growing up without a brother made me realize it would have been great to have one,” he explained. 

At 16, Kyndle decided to honor loved ones he lost. His second tattoo is a frame of Lilly’s alongside the phrase “lost but not forgotten,” serving as a tribute to his aunt.  Kyndle emphasized that he prefers all of his tattoos to hold significance rather than simply be designs he likes. “I think tattoos are often taken out of context more than they should be,” he said.

Naomi has multiple tattoos, each varying in style and placement. Her first tattoo, done at 15, reads ‘blessed.’ She shared how her older sister, who has multiple piercings and tattoos, inspired her to try it herself. 

Out of all her designs, her favorite depicts a flower that also represents Jesus in her life. Although few of her tattoos represent and show love for her religion, she shared how “they were mostly spontaneous.” Noami also shared how a lot of people don’t share the same ideas about tattoos. “I think people have this belief that all tattoos should have meaning, but I think some people just make the decision based on what they like.” 

Despite this, looking ahead, she shared how she does regret getting them at such a young age. She plans on getting them removed. “I know it’s not an easy process, but that’s the plan.”