Powerschool GoGuardian Naviance Aimsweb Semstracker EdReflect SchoolDude Virtual Paragon Frontline Alio Service Portal

Thinking of Inking

Pop quiz.

What does a lavender flower, memorable quotes, a music note, a first and last name, and the word families have in common.

Here’s a hint.

To some these words may have no value.

But to some these things are so precious to them that they wanted a permanent reminder of the impact that these simple nouns have had on their lives.

Give up?

These six things all represent tattoos that grace the ankles, heels, rip cages, of various Woodland students.

When sophomore Katie Steinbacker turned 16 she did not want to get a car, an expensive pocket book, or a piece of jewelry in a little blue box. Steinbacker wanted a tattoo, a music note with a heart on her ankle.

To get a tattoo in Connecticut, you need to be 18 but with a parent’s consent a 16 year old can get a tattoo.

“I’ve always wanted a tattoo so when I asked my parents for one they were supportive,” said Steinbacker, “it just had to be tasteful and appropriate.”

Steinbacker’s mother made sure here daughter’s ink would be appropriate by designing the tattoo for her.

“I really wanted a permanent representation of how much more music influences me,” said Steinbacker, “and that’s what I got.”

Sophomore Dylan Abarzua tattoo is also a reminder of something that is important to him.

“Over my heart I have a tattoo that says family with rosary beads around it,” said Abarzua.

Abarzua’s whole family is planning on getting the same tattoo. Abarzua said he had always wanted a tattoo so he decided he wanted to be the first one in his family to get the matching symbol.

Other Woodland students choose to get tattoos in memory of important people in their lives.

Sophmore Mike Kenney has a tattoo on his rib cage in memory of his brother, who passed away after being struck by a car.

“When he passed away I knew I wanted to honor him in some way,” said Kenney “ so a tattoo seemed like a good idea.”

Down Kenney’s rib cage is the quote “Brother,  death leaves a scar, no one can heal. Love leaves a memory, no one can steal.” Followed by his brother’s initials.

“I looked around a lot for a quote to use,” said Kenney, “when I found this one it just seemed to fit.”

Senior Becca Grabowski also has symbol to remember a family member.

On Graboski’s side she has a lavender flower in memory of her grandmother.

“When I turend 18 my Mom finally agreeded to let me get a tattoo, “  said Grabowski, “My grandmother loved lavender so I decided to get one that would remind me of her.”

Senior Jayme Schludewitz recently got 2 tattoos on her heels in memory of a good friend who passed away in a car accident.

“I have his name on one heel and on the other the date of his death,” said Schludewitz, “He was a really good friend so I always want to remember him.”

Schludewtiz also has a tattoo that inspires here.

“I got a tattoo of the quote ‘without struggle there is no progress’ because it’s something that I constantly need to remind myself of.”

Everyone who chooses to get inked has a different reason.

But the outcome always seems to be the same, a deeply personal memento that someone will have for the rest of their life.

download-1 download-2 download-1 download download-3

2 thoughts on “Thinking of Inking

  1. Becca Grabowski March 19, 2013 at 9:57 pm

    My tattoo is a lavender flower.

  2. Katie Drewry March 19, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    Sorry about that, all fixed!

Comments are closed.