By Grace Ducanis and Stephanie Barrios
Frequently, tattoos are more than just body art; they have personal, emotional meanings. They can be used to commemorate a loved one, celebrate a passion, remember an important truth or pay homage to one’s heritage. The stories behind tattoos are often as interesting as the tattoos themselves, and the tattoos you can find around NSU are no exception.
Ariel Nye, junior marine biology major
The Tattoo: 24 paw prints
The Story: “I got the tattoo in 2011 after an EF4 tornado hit Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I was working at a dog rescue and training camp, which the tornado destroyed. Fifty dogs were there at the time, and 24 of them died. My tattoo represents the 24 dogs.”
Jeff Buzzi, freshman criminal justice major
The Tattoo: A deer whose antlers and feet are part of a tree
The Story: “I like to hunt, and I love the outdoors. I wanted a tattoo that would represent that.”
Taylor McDaniel, junior marine biology major
The Tattoo: A cancer ribbon wrapped around stargazer lilies
The Story: “I got this tattoo in memory of my mother, who died of cancer. Stargazer lilies were her favorite flower. She was a cheer coach. The zebra pattern on the ribbon represents the ribbons she used to make for her girls.”
Kenneth Drysdale, junior biology and exercise and sport science major
The Tattoo: Three skulls with words that read, “Trust no man” and “Blood, sweat and tears.”
The Story: “Everyone’s had an experience with someone that you can’t trust. It even says in the Bible not to trust man.”
Gabriela Gonzalez, freshman nursing major
The Tattoo: “Un passo alla volta,” meaning “One step at a time.”
The Story: “I’m half Italian, so I put the saying in Italian. It’s kind of my motto.”
Brett Welch, senior exercise and sports science major
The Tattoo: A trinity knot surrounded by a protective Celtic dragon and an Irish quote
The Story: “I got this tattoo when my aunt and uncle unexpectedly died. It’s the only tattoo I have with emotional significance.”
