The Argonaut

Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: Entertainment

Senior Ryan Cooper's well-defined biceps provide the canvas for inked art.

The scroll above was Ryan Cooper's first tattoo and he added the clouds later.

Each of Ryan Cooper's tatoos has a meaning, like his mother's name on his left forearm.

One might take notice of the thoughtful, polished, driven youth who scurry through the halls of NDNU to and from their classes. While their outside appearance reflects their dedication and perseverance, there might possibly be something more, something not as easy to see.

Permanently imprinted on the skin of a great number of NDNU students is something that represents their fun, young, wild sides, or in many cases, something deep and meaningful. It is most commonly known as the tattoo.

Many students have at least one tattoo somewhere on their body. Whether it be a spur-of-the-moment decision made rebelliously or something meaningful inspired by a memory or that represents a loved one, tattoos are a current fashion phenomena.

Tattoos have made a huge impact on the younger generation in today's society. Not only are they a popular fad, they have become a means of self expression, a way in which people can represent and display what might be important to them. Ultimately they are a form of art.

Commuter student Lisa Evans talked about how she ended up getting a tattoo and why it is significant.



"My child was born with complications and endured six surgeries. There was a risk that I could lose her, which is why I had her initials and a heart tattooed on my chest. That way if I'd lost her, I knew I'd still have her with me."

Similarly, Jose Alcala, a student athlete and die-hard fan of cross country, describes the meaning behind his body art.

"I got my tattoo at age 18. I've got cross country on my back. Even though my family was against it, I got it any way because cross country has changed my life. It's meaningful. Now I want to get another one."

Many students responded in a similar respect, admitting that there is meaning behind most of what they permanently drew on their bodies.

However, students also admit to becoming almost "addicted" to the thrill and the beauty of the tattoos.

Junior Amanda Fukushima explained, "Getting my first tattoo was kind of a tradition. It's our family crest. My dad, brothers, and I have it. I got it because they got it. But I'd always wanted one any way and then I just got addicted."

Amanda was 17 when she got her first tattoo. Now she has three.

Whether its on a foot, arm, ankle, or backside, no matter how big or small, and regardless of whether it was a dare, a spontaneous decision made on a trip to Vegas or something you designed and planned out, the tattoo can tell a lot about a person.

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