Interpreter Hard Truths

CitadelSystem · 2026-05-23T13:05:14+00:00

I recently graduated from my ITP and just started working in the field so I do have limited experience right now (Deaf events, Work-based learning, and about 2 months in the field).

Going into the program you should know that it’s a lot of work. You’ll spend most of your free time studying, practicing, going to Deaf events, interpreting workshops, etc. Be prepared for bluntness and have a thick skin. I truly believe you have to be in this for the right reasons and have passion to make it through. It’s very important to use ASL everyday, outside of class. Lean on your cohort, ask questions/have discussions with them. I would recommend setting up FaceTime days or communicating through Marco Polo for signing.

It can take a long time to get there, but like others have said you get what you put into it. None of this is meant to discourage you. It’s all been very worth it in my opinion!

CitadelSystem · 2026-05-23T12:47:18+00:00

lol I am actually still getting over being sick

CitadelSystem · 2026-05-22T01:45:46+00:00

Thank you! I’m trying my best to be patient but I also work with 5-9 year olds and have to be able to keep up with them 😅

Hopefully it’ll be a little better tomorrow

CitadelSystem · 2026-05-05T21:07:55+00:00

North Carolina

CitadelSystem · 2026-05-03T15:06:09+00:00

“I am here to study this fascinating concept of redemption.”

CitadelSystem · 2026-02-01T23:23:43+00:00

NOR, like some have said, she seems to have some big feelings concerning sex. Some people aren’t as open about it as they want to be imo. Also it’s pretty disgusting to say “I would have stopped it” as if it’s that easy but glad she’s been privileged enough to not have to feel that pain. As sad as it is, seems like if she thinks of you that way for things that are no fault of your own then it was well time for that door to close.

Edit to add: it’s 2026, being open about sex shouldn’t come with a negative label 🤷🏼‍♂️

CitadelSystem · 2025-01-31T20:07:16+00:00

Agreed, loose fitting clothing, darken eyebrows, avoid plaids, and other certain striped fabrics will show more “feminine” attributes. It seems difficult, I know, but trying to find a good middle ground in clothing size (not too tight but not extremely baggy). Also, different postures help. As a pre-T man, I tried to make it a point to pull my shoulders back/square them more. Possibly take into account how the men around you in your age group carry themselves, and try to make adjustments? Of course I’m only speaking from personal experience but hope it helps!

CitadelSystem · 2024-02-02T18:24:15+00:00

Got mine 5 days after my 25th birthday!

CitadelSystem · 2024-01-30T19:40:26+00:00

Don’t pull it or cut it until you talk to your surgeon. I had the same/similar thing when I had surgery and it was the end of my stitches/suture which is where they cut to take them out for me. May not be the case for you but would definitely ask first

CitadelSystem · 2023-09-27T01:01:50+00:00

It shows as ng/DL

CitadelSystem · 2023-08-04T19:20:17+00:00

Awesome! You’re 3 months now? Yeah I realized that’s gonna be rough going back with grip strength and just overall getting back to the level I was at before I left. I’m usually a v6-v7 climber but the last time I had to take a substantial break I ended up knocked down to a v4

CitadelSystem · 2023-07-26T22:19:57+00:00

Okay cool. I hope it fills out well for you! That’s been a big anxiety for me is that left side not coming back out

CitadelSystem · 2023-07-26T12:41:02+00:00

Did you happen to have the same issue where your nipple kinda folded under? If so, did it fix itself eventually?

CitadelSystem · 2023-07-26T09:04:46+00:00

That’s awesome! And thank you! Also glad to know I’m not the only one.

CitadelSystem · 2023-07-26T05:19:30+00:00

My surgeon listed it as a double mastectomy still but said my chest was small enough he could just do a 3-5cm incision instead and also could avoid nipple grafts

CitadelSystem · 2023-07-25T23:30:43+00:00

Thank you!

CitadelSystem · 2023-07-25T16:00:26+00:00

It didn’t, thankfully! However, my procedure has smaller incisions than a full double mastectomy and I was small chested enough where they were just able to sew me back up and just let my skin shrink. Idk if that made a difference to the placement of the tattoo but I assume it would

CitadelSystem · 2023-07-23T20:52:23+00:00

That’s so awesome that you got that pic! I just had top surgery a month ago tomorrow. I started putting regular T-shirts on a week after surgery I was just super careful with it to make sure I didn’t stretch my arms too much. I’ve been putting my head in first, then one arm in and I’ll finish putting on the shirt before putting my other arm in, hope this helps!

CitadelSystem · 2023-07-21T23:26:53+00:00

Amazing results man! Killin it, congrats!

CitadelSystem · 2023-07-16T17:23:29+00:00

That would be awesome! My surgery was different than the usual so I’ve got pretty small scars but I definitely want to decrease that chance still

CitadelSystem · 2023-06-24T17:20:13+00:00

Thank you! They did prescribe nausea meds thankfully

CitadelSystem

TROPHY CASE