On July 2, 2018, I was chased down a street by my home and groped by an older man in broad daylight. He removed my breast from my tube top, and I don't remember much, but I know that I was absolutely frightened to the point where I experienced my first panic attack.

However, I am one out of millions of young girls that this happens to every single day in New York City.

Growing up, my mother always taught me to cover up and make sure that I didn't give anybody access to my body. Despite being raised like that, that one summer day, I decided to wear a tube top out just to run a quick errand and gave me an experience I'll never forget.

New York City has been idealized for decades, and although I do love the city lights, there's more to it than that. Crime levels are unbelievably high, and young girls are less safe than ever. There's not much that the government can really do to prevent it, thus leaving most girls defenseless. The city will always be my home, but I would not recommend raising a family there and here's why.

Besides crime, there's also an underlying sense of judgment from other girls in the city.

This might be a good thing if you're trying to enter the fashion industry and need that little push from other girls, but when you're young, comparison stems from every aspect of your life. Girls go to class carrying handbags, and I can tell you firsthand that I conformed to that about a month into my freshman year of high school.

Regardless of if you're a follower or a leader, there's no denying that girls in the city are ruthless. Most who grew up in certain parts of the city are used to privilege, and as someone who grew up in Queens, the outskirts of Manhattan, I have seen both ends of it. I have met some amazing girls, but others who have completely put me down and tried to bring down my ego.

It's definitely hard to grow up in this cookie cutter atmosphere, feeling as if you have to be something you're not. Disney Channel taught me high school would be lockers, cheerleading, and being friends with everyone in your grade. Sometimes, I wish I has that experience instead of the one I was given instead.

For most girls, it's dangerous to be out at night.

When I was growing up, my mother didn't let me go out after 9 p.m. At the time, I didn't understand why, and I hated her for it. I fought with her all the time, asking why she couldn't just let me out at a later time. Now, I understand why. Taking the train at 11 p.m is dangerous for any young girl, especially if you're wearing a nice outfit and you're alone.

I always grew up knowing I had to travel in a group when it gets dark out, and even now, when I'm alone, I prefer to Uber if I end up having to get home by myself. Most of the crazy people who do live in the city tend to come out at night, especially since it's so dark and some city streets tend to be very empty.

I know many girls who have had bad experiences at night and have since then been scared to go out at dark. I definitely cannot see myself raising my daughter in this kind of environment, and I applaud my mother for being able to do it seamlessly.

My own experience is one out of millions that occur every single day. Although New York City will forever be my home and my favorite place to be, it's tough to grow up around catcallers and aggressive men who think it's okay to touch other women. If you are planning on living in the city, make sure to be careful, travel in groups, and always have four eyes out. There are many downsides, but the city is one of the most magical places to be.