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.