The birds were just beginning to chirp as Ashton Malcom made her way across campus in the dark for marching band practice. With her keys poking through her knuckles, she was ready for any perceived threats. Later that night, Malcom called her mom while holding a can of pepper spray as she walked to her dorm after class.Â
When it was warm enough, Malcom opted for her bike to quickly travel between places. She said it gave her an extra sense of security because itâs harder to be snatched off a bike than when walking alone.
Malcom is only one of many students whose heart beats a little faster when the sun drops below the horizon.