Senior Matt Daddi’s four pieces of ink that lay symmetrically on his ribs and biceps signify the values he carries with him every day.

“It’s how I express myself,” he said, describing the tattoos. “Songwriters write songs, artists make art, poets write poetry. I get tattoos.”

In the summer of 2010, a conversation with his stepmother led the mechanical engineering major to solidify the idea for his first tattoo, which he got at Body Language Tattoo & Piercing parlor in Storrs, Conn.

Because of the hardships he endured growing up, his stepmother mused on how Daddi had gained mature insights at quite an early age.

So, written in his artist’s own script across his right rib, the first tattoo Daddi got inked reads, “Every struggle is preparation for what’s to come.”

The next piece materialized after the death of his great-grandfather and great-grandmother, Nonny and Nonno, both of whom he was very close to.

Daddi said his great-grandfather was a great mind and an inventor.

“They were a huge influence on my life,” Daddi said, “When I’m old, I wanna be able to tell stories like my great-grandfather did and affect people the way he did.”

Because of the influence they left, his left ribs are covered by a masterfully shaded calla lily, his great grandmother’s favorite flower. Above rests his great-grandfather’s last words: “Buona sera,” or goodnight.

About a year afterwards, Daddi got two more pieces.

His ex-girlfriend actually brought about the idea, always telling him that his goals were too big and, ultimately, unrealistic.

“If you limit your dreams, you will limit where you go,” he said. “You have to push yourself.”

His right bicep reads “Live Life Laugh Often,” and continues on the left bicep with the quote, “Love Always Dream Big.”

Daddi tries to live by these eight words consistently. Already having secured a job for next year after graduation, it seems as though the realization of his goals has just begun.

Published on April 15, 2014 at 1:00 am

Contact Naomi: ncfalk@syr.edu