Anywhere in the world there is always a sense of danger when walking around at night. When the sun goes down it gives way to a whole new world and although some find the night life exhilarating others find it terrifying.
Texas A&M University – Commerce is a perfect example of this dichotomy.
Music education major Katie Lewis said she is forced to walk around the campus at night.
“I practice a lot at night and there is usually no one around,” she said.
If an incident did occur Lewis said she has a way to handle it.
“I can always just bring my knee up,” she said.
Lewis’s friend athletic training major Heather Rigal has a different opinion on walking around after dark on campus. She said she does not like walking alone after dark and if she is forced to she usually calls a few friends to walk with her.
“It makes me nervous to walk alone,” she said.
There have been times according to Rigal where she has taken a different route if she feels nervous about going down a poorly lit stretch of land.
Although Rigal and Lewis agreed the campus generally appears safe they said there is room for improvement especially at one of the residence halls.
“Smith isn’t lit for s**t,” Lewis said.
In addition to possible violent altercations Rigal said she also doesn’t like walking in poorly areas because of a more unconventional threat.
“There can be skunks, or rats in some areas,” she said.
Rigal added a friend of hers was walking on campus one night and was sprayed by a skunk which gave credence to her fears.
Although Rigal’s fears are valid other members of the campus community don’t see walking at night as being dangerous.
Early education major Sarah Erp said she has been walking around campus after dark for more than three years and has yet to experience a problem.
“I walked around at three a.m. when I was a freshman and it didn’t bother me,” she said.Health education major Jennifer Holman said being on campus after dark used to make her nervous but due to a recent addition that fear has been destroyed.
“There are more lights up now and see the police on patrol a lot, so I am not nervous at night,” she said.
Chemistry major Suzanne Parker said the emergency phones help take away her fears when walking around when the sun goes down but noted there is room for improvement.
“There isn’t enough light when walking to the dorms,” she said.
She said most times after dark she walks with her friends and stays in well lit areas.
Radio, TV major Jordon Parker said he can see why people are afraid to be on campus in the later hours, but has an idea to help protect students if an altercation does occur.
“I think the school should give away rape whistles at the beginning of the semester just in case,” he said.
Regardless of whether or not walking around campus is a fear of yours it is still good to practice safety. A few tips for those forced to be outside after dark are to stay in groups, walk in well lit areas, have a cell phone or someone with a cell phone around you at all times and let a friend who is not with you know where you will be.
The police are on patrol and although an altercation is unlikely it never hurts to be safe.