The Stories Behind The Ink

Senior Sandra Maciak – Quote Tattoo

“What inspired me to get a tattoo is the fact that tattoos tell a story. Tattoos are something permanent, something that is always going to be there. It is a way to modify your body and your skin. Tattoos define you. What you decide to permanently stamp on your body is a reflection of who you are. My tattoo says, ‘I’d risk the fall just to know how it feels to fly.'”

The meaning of this quote is very important and holds many different meanings for Maciak. Risking the fall stands for taking chances, no matter how big or small, and no matter the consequence. Taking a chance, just to know how it feels to fly means that no matter what the outcome is, taking the risk is worth the consequences that follow, whether they are good or bad.

Junior Manuela Burek – Dream Catcher Tattoo

Luckily Burek’s parents know about her tattoo and the dream catcher is meant for protection.

She had the dream catcher include four feathers for her mom, dad, brother, and sister which in her eyes means that it will help protect them from bad things.

She decided to get it on her side so that it’s there, but “you can only see it when I want you to so it doesn’t cause problems later on.”

Senior Billy Schuester – Cross Tattoo

He got his first tattoo with his grandma in Hawaii as he made her get one with him. Schuester said how he’s always wanted a cross on the left side of his back. He felt like getting it on his back because he’s so young and it is a noticeable place, but it could also be covered up.

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Senior Solomiya Danchak – Quote Tattoo

Danchak’s tattoo reminds her to stay on her feet and to never give up and to always remember that every struggle will make her stronger throughout her life.  She got it on the back of her shoulder is because it is the closest to her arm and that represents strength.

Junio Angel Alvelo – Basketball Tattoo

Alvelo’s parents don’t know about his tattoo which means he has to hide it from them which sometimes can be hard.

He grew up in Humboldt Park, where there was basically two options for kids like him: play sports and stay in school or gang bang and not get a full education. Basketball was what kept him out of the streets and in school.

So, his tattoo is a tribute to the game and and a little reminder of how much it’s done for him.

It’s on his chest because “I want to keep basketball close to my heart.”

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