If you have a tattoo, more than likely you’ve heard the phrase “what meaning does that have?” While it’s okay to have a tattoo regardless of it’s meaning, when I saw a similar article from HerCampus VCU (shout out to writer Emily Hotler) I decided to write a response article about tattoos having meanings.
Tattoos are forever, and yes we know that prior to getting them, That being said, I’m going to dive into the meaning of my two tattoos (sorry Dad).
Coming from a place such as Ashburn, Virginia, I endured a lot of harsh words and actions from people who thought they knew me when I came to college. From 7th grade to my senior year of high school, I was bullied mostly for my appearance. Sometimes it was something small like a tweet being written, other times it was words I heard in person or being bumped in the hallway. I didn’t like myself or my appearance. I went to a predominately white school for majority of my childhood until college. There were so many days I’d cry to my mother about not having self-worth or why I didn’t understand being bullied for something I can’t control. When I went off to college that completely changed. There were other women calling me beautiful daily (and we all know compliments from women are better than compliments from men) and men tried to speak to me. For about four months I didn’t understand all the new attention I was getting, especially from men because men were the ones who bullied me most, previously. My winter break freshman year of college I decided to get a tattoo that perfectly described me.
Queen Nefertiti, my favorite and first tattoo. I chose to get this tattooed for a few reasons.
- She’s literally a queen, one of the most powerful and popularly known queens at that.
- Her name translates to “a beautiful woman had come.” The reason this is important is that her name is dedicated to understanding your beauty and knowing that when you walk in a room you’re seen. You’re no longer someone seen as useless and invisible, but you’re powerful. Although Nefertiti was the first of royal wives, she didn’t let her title remained confined to just being a wife, but being a power source. She established an entire cult and Sun God, I’m not saying she’s that Queen… but she is.
My second tattoo came a lot later, it was a spur of the moment decision, much like the reason I got it.
A rose from the concrete.
This past semester, as a build-up of things, was probably the worst semester of my life. I’ve mentioned this on panels and in general discussions that I deal with depression and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Since the start of my college career I’ve endured quite a few personal events that could make or break me, however even though many times I folded, I never broke. While discussing this among close friends, this seemed to be a pretty bad semester for most people, but I plan to go into this new year with the task of putting my health and mental health above anything else. I hate to be one of those “2018 will be my year” type girls, but I promise you it will be. I hit my lowest low, I truly lost all worth and with the grace of God, family and close friends I wouldn’t be writing this article. Like a flower that bloomed in a dark room, like a rose from the concrete I am misunderstood but alive.
Although I don’t ever get tattoos unless they have importance, sometimes people just like what they see orthink it compliments them and I’m all for it. However, for the sake of this article, I’m writing about two tattoos that came at a certain time.
I remember when I was younger I read this short story where pretty much the character would randomly grow tattoos at certain milestones in their life. They would just appear. I feel like that’s what happened to me. My tattoos appeared because that’s when they were needed most to symbolize what I’ve gone through. In closing this article I want everyone to know mental illnesses aren’t anything to be ashamed of; putting yourself before anything else isn’t something to be ashamed of either. You are never alone. It may feel like it but I promise you, you aren’t alone in this type of war.
I’m also open to any questions on these type of topics, whether you need to vent or just need someone to talk to. My Instagram is @taylacamperr and my messages are always open!