Before college, I never paid attention to my surroundings or people. Yet, I hear all these news about people being kidnapped, women getting raped, and students getting mugged around campus. You tend to think, “That’s not going to happen to me.” Well crime happens all around us, and we need to be aware of our surroundings, day or night.
My step-cousin was murdered last week on a Sunday afternoon, her name was Vanessa Pham (click on name for news link). She lived in Virgina, so I’ve only met her once back when I was in high school. But I hear stories about her, and how she was very upbeat, friendly, and gifted in art and designing. How can something like this happen to someone so young! It can happen to anybody and we need to be able to be our own bodyguard.
Leon e-mailed me this awhile back. I learned a lot from him about being aware of my surroundings and protecting myself. This is an article he scanned from a magazine, please take a moment to read it.
I hope this helps in some way. Here are some of the things that I do to protect myself:
-Carry pepperspray. Make sure you test it out (in the room, then leave; not on yourself) after purchasing, you would not want to be walking around with a defected one.
-Carry a flashlight with a strobe effect. This can blind the offender, buying you time to run away.
-Hold keys between fingers, this can be a great weapon.
-When walking at night, always walk in a group.
-If you suspect someone following you home while driving, do not pull up to your driveway. Instead, drive back out to the nearest public area. You don’t want the stranger to know where you live.
-When approaching your car at a parking lot, check underneath it to see if there is anybody waiting on the other side.
-If anybody tries to sell you something, especially perfume, and insists that you smell it, ignore them and leave. There are attackers who use chemicals in the fragrance to make you faint.
-Do not bother taking those flyers off your car by hand. Get in the car and use your wipers instead. Attackers will use those couple of seconds as opportunity.
-If anybody approaches your car window, never pull your window down.
These are just a couple of things off the top of my head. If anybody has anymore suggestions or ideas, please feel free to share.
Jacket and shirt by Ralph Lauren Black Label; wool vest by Band of Outsiders; jeans by Levi’s; sunglasses by Oliver peoples.
Jacket, shirt, tie, and trousers by Dolce and Gabbana; shoes by Moreschi.
Jacket and shirt by Marc Jacobs; tie by DKNY.
