Mom, I am okay.

I love my school, I love my city, but something needs to be done. I hear sirens every day, constantly; I am afraid to walk my dog at night; I tend to wonder whether there was a firework or a shot fired.

I live in Tallahassee, the most dangerous city in the state of Florida. Also, one of the top 10 most dangerous cities in America, according to Forbes. You may not think that Tallahassee is worse than cities like Miami, Orlando, or Tampa but per capita, it is a scary amount more. Tallahassee has a higher average crime rate for every category you could think of than the rest of the US.

I was here when the shooting happened in the FSU library, I was here when T-pain's niece was stabbed at a popular drugstore. These events have taken a toll on my life. I do not want to live my life in fear, but the world today is a scary place. Living in Tallahassee has given me a reality check; I have become a skeptical person.

Campus carry has been a serious issue surrounding Florida State for many years, especially after the shooting in November of 2013. I do not agree with it. If the young man who became paralyzed in that shooting was allowed to carry his gun that he is trained to use, maybe there would have been a different outcome.

I understand both sides of the argument but there is a process you have to go through to get your concealed carry license. Also, people tend to forget the word concealed. The weapon must not be in sight at all. You have no idea how many people you come into contact every single day who carry. It is way more than you would ever imagine. The weapon is there for emergencies and to defend.

There have been 18 homicides this year alone in Tallahassee. These crimes are not something to just look past. Something needs to be done. I do not think it is any one person's fault. We have the police force, I see patrol cars multiple times a day. I am not saying I know how to fix it because I don't, but this is a very serious and complicated problem.

What I do know is that as citizens we need to make sure we are doing our part. If you see something that doesn't look quite right, report it. It is better to be safe than sorry. Carry your pepper spray, call someone on the way to your car at night, and take a self-defense class.

Any or all of these could save your life, you just never know. Not just in Tallahassee, but everywhere you need to be on alert no matter where you are. No, I am not saying you cannot have fun, just be aware of your surroundings. Have a plan for any situation.