Senior Starr Smith
Written by Sami Delavari – Staff Writer
Many people get tattoos to show something meaningful in their life. Similarly, senior Starr Smith has a story for the ink that is engraved on her skin. Smith has two tattoos, one on her rib cage that reads “Love, Dad” and one on her left wrist that says “patience.” These tattoos represent times in Smith’s life in which she exhibited strength and her patience was tested.
“I took [my dad] for granted,” said Smith. “We both hurt each other and in his first letter he apologized for everything he did wrong. It was a sweet letter, and so that’s why I got his signature tattooed right under my heart.”
Smith’s first tattoo that says “Love, Dad” is from the first letter her father wrote to her when he was sent to prison. Smith made sure that the tattoo artist traced his words exactly in order to emphasize its meaning. The design of Smith’s second tattoo is supposed to be simple and is written in cursive with black ink. Inspired by her evolved relationship with her best friend, Smith’s “patience” tattoo is a reminder that good things come to those who wait.
“I love both of my tattoos equally,” said Smith. “I plan on having many more in the years to come.”
Smith’s tattoos both hold a lot of meaning. With plans to get more tattoos in the future, Smith will carefully choose when she gets her next piece of body art.
Senior Larry Bush
Written by Ambika Vartak – Staff Writer
In senior Larry Bush’s eyes, body art is a way of manifesting one’s spirituality. Inspired by the overall meaning of the Bible, Bush recently decided to get a tattoo of one of his favorite quotes from this scripture. Located on his pectoralis major, his tattoo demonstrates his affinity toward God, reading: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13. The tattoo signifies that anything can be accomplished in life with God’s blessing.
As an extremely successful basketball player, Bush sometimes forgets the importance of staying down to earth and being appreciative for his victories in basketball and daily life. He believes that his tattoo serves as a reminder to thank God for keeping him in prime physical condition. Bush attributes his successes in basketball and life solely to the Lord, and the tattoo keeps him grounded, as he feels privileged to be able to live a normal life.
“[The tattoo] is a reminder to never take for granted the ability the Lord has given me because some people aren’t born with the same abilities,” said Bush.
Bush believes that his tattoo has helped him develop a stronger spiritual bond with God. He hopes to receive God’s support and blessings in his future endeavors.
Junior Shane Fenske
Written by Madison Young – Staff Writer
Always admiring other people’s tattoos and art, junior Shane Fenske was inspired to get three tattoos of his own during his sophomore year. These tattoos have impacted Fenske’s life for the better and not only have a great significance to him but also to his friends and family.
“I did not get a tattoo because I wanted to look like a rebel, but because I am genuinely into artwork and I like cultural things,” said Fenske.
Each of Fenske’s tattoos is significant in its own way and all have special meaning to him. His fascination with art inspired him to draw each of his own tattoos. To make sure each tattoo would come out perfectly, he gave his design to the artist to make any finishing touches. Fenske also made sure his tattoos would never lose their charm by creating classic works of art. His sister’s name, Sorella, is tattooed on his right forearm as a sign of love and “Mamma”, as a sign of respect to his mother, is tattooed on his left forearm. He also has a tattoo of a ram, the zodiac symbol for Aeries, on his upper back.
In the near future Fenske will be getting a new tattoo inspired by his Native American heritage. Each of his tattoos serves as a way to express himself and the love he feels for the members of his family.
