A 19-year-old father from New Zealand became a viral sensation after publicly pleading for someone to look past his criminal history and the bold face tattoo that\u2019s been holding him back.<\/p>\n
Mark Cropp, a teenager recently released from prison, made headlines after sharing a heartfelt post on social media, asking for a second chance at life\u2014and a job. His story quickly gained traction online, and in just a few hours, Mark was overwhelmed with support, receiving more than 45 job offers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI stopped counting when I reached 45,\u201d he told Daily Mail Australia.<\/p>\n
The Tattoo That Changed Everything<\/p>\n
Mark earned the nickname \u201cDEVAST8\u201d due to the emotional damage he says he caused to those around him. In prison, he and his brother decided to immortalize that nickname across his face using a homemade tattoo gun crafted from a cassette player and a pen spring. The ink was made by burning plastic utensils and mixing the soot with toothpaste and water.<\/p>\n
What was supposed to be a small piece along the jawline turned into a massive tattoo stretching across his cheeks and chin\u2014done while drinking homebrewed alcohol made from apples, sugar, and bread.<\/p>\n
Family Shock and Personal Regret<\/p>\n
Just a week before his release, Mark sent a photo of his face to his partner, Taneia Ruki, to prepare her for the shock.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was devastated,\u201d Mark admitted. \u201cBut now she\u2019s gotten used to it and says she can\u2019t see me without it.\u201d
\nDespite that, Mark acknowledges the tattoo has become a major obstacle in his life.<\/p>\n
PIC FROM Caters News \u2013 (PICTURED: Mark Cropp with his girlfriend Taneia Ruki, 24) -A teenage lag who claimed he couldn\u0092t get a job because he was inked with a huge \u0091DEVAST8\u0092 facial tattoo in prison has now been inundated with offers. Mark Cropp was desperate to find a job when he was released from prison but said the amateur inking \u0096 which covers his cheeks, mouth and chin \u0096 put off potential employers. But since the unemployed 19-year-old \u0096 who said his tattoo has nearly caused car crashes in the past \u0096 posted about his plight he has been offered jobs in scaffolding and construction. SEE CATERS COPY
\nJob Offers\u2014and Hesitation<\/p>\n
While Mark was inundated with offers after his story went viral, he revealed that he still hasn\u2019t started working.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m just waiting for the right one,\u201d he said, explaining that many opportunities required him to have a car\u2014something he currently doesn\u2019t have.
\n\u201cUntil I get my first paycheck and a vehicle, I won\u2019t be able to get around to job sites.\u201d
\nHowever, according to Taneia, he has since accepted a full-time scaffolding job, which could mark the beginning of a fresh chapter.<\/p>\n
Saying Goodbye to \u2018DEVAST8\u2019<\/p>\n
Mark has now made the difficult decision to remove the face tattoo, even though it holds sentimental value.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy brother did it for me. It means something to me\u2026 but I know it\u2019s the best thing for my future.\u201d
\nThanks to a generous offer for laser removal therapy, Mark\u2019s first session is scheduled to begin soon. He admits the process will be painful, but necessary.<\/p>\n
A New Direction<\/p>\n
The teenager has only been out of jail for two weeks but says he\u2019s already learned a lot from his mistakes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think people should be judged by tattoos on their face\u2014but I know that unless I change something, that\u2019s exactly what will keep happening.\u201d
\nMark is now focused on becoming someone his family can rely on, especially as a young father trying to build a better life.<\/p>\n
A Powerful Message<\/p>\n
Mark\u2019s story struck a chord with many\u2014offering a raw look at the struggles former inmates face when reintegrating into society. His viral plea not only opened the door to job opportunities but also sparked conversations around second chances, redemption, and the power of change.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just want to move forward. I\u2019ve made my mistakes, but I\u2019m ready to turn things around.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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