Being A Woman In 2019 Is Scary, And I'm Not Okay With That
Start writing a post
Student Life

Being A Young College Woman In 2019 Is Scary, And I'm Not Okay With That

We need to talk about women's safety.

56
Being A Young College Woman In 2019 Is Scary, And I'm Not Okay With That

I've always wanted to adopt a pit bull terrier after college, it's not a secret by any means. When I'm constantly asked 'why', my normal answers run along the lines of 'they're so sweet and just looking for a good home'. I always leave the second half of my answer out: I'm planning on moving to New York (my home state) after graduation, and I'm terrified of being a young woman alone at night. Pit bull terriers are often seen as 'aggressive' breeds and would be helpful as a crime deterrent. Yes, I would absolutely love and cherish any potential dog I have; it's just an added layer of protection, one of the many things I (and many other women) do to feel safe today.

I am vigilant about so many things when I'm alone, especially at night. I carry a mini pepper spray on my keys in Gainesville (illegal in New York!). I have my Find My Friends location constantly shared with all of my closest friends, and our ride-sharing accounts are all automatically set to share each ride with each other, just in case something happens.

That's just the things that are already in place in case of an emergency. If I am actually walking somewhere by myself at night (which is rare), there are several other precautionary steps to take.

I always walk on the more illuminated side of the street, and I'm not shy about turning on my phone flashlight, not only to potentially ward off attackers, but also be to able to identify them. If I see a group of men walking towards me or have come up behind me, I'll usually cross to the other side of the street. Being a young blonde woman, I am inundated with a constant fear of being sexually assaulted, robbed or worse.

I pretend not to hear cat callers as they yell out at me. The safest option is not to engage at all. Depending on the situation, I pretend to text or be on the phone. I feel less alone, and we were always taught its another precaution to deter attackers.

The world is a dangerous place; it's true. Identifying as female makes it even harder.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

47610
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30175
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954248
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

171068
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments