When 19-year-old Mark Cropp pleaded for a second chance, he didn’t expect the internet to deliver in such a big way. The young father from New Zealand, with the word “DEVAST8” boldly inked across his face, went viral after posting a desperate plea for a job. His message was simple: look past his tattoo and criminal record and give him a shot at rebuilding his life.
The response? Overwhelming. In just a few days, Mark received 45 job offers, more than he could have imagined. But here’s the twist—he turned them all down.
Mark, affectionately nicknamed “Devast8,” is still waiting for what he calls “the right opportunity.” While some jobs required him to have a car—a luxury he doesn’t yet have—others didn’t align with his long-term goals. “Until I get my first paycheck and can afford a car, I can’t get to most places,” he explained.
The tattoo, a stark reminder of his time in prison, is now more burden than badge. Inked by his brother during a drunken moment behind bars, it was meant to project toughness. Today, Mark sees it differently. “I want to get it removed,” he admitted. “It’s going to hurt, but it’s necessary for my future.”
Despite the pain it’ll take to erase the tattoo, Mark is ready to make the sacrifice. His motivation? A better life for himself and his family. “I was going through a rough patch,” he shared, reflecting on the decisions that led him to prison. “I let people down, but I’m determined to make it right.”
Credit: dailymail.co.uk
Mark’s journey isn’t just about removing ink from his face—it’s about rewriting his story. He’s navigating the challenges of rejoining society while carrying the weight of judgments and his own regrets. Yet, his resolve to find a path forward remains unshaken.
His story serves as a reminder that change is never easy, but it’s always possible. What do you think—should more people get a second chance like Mark? Share this story with your friends and join the conversation!
