u/hatsunemikuleak

So I’m 17 years old have been going to the gym for about a year. A couple months ago, some guy, maybe 50 years old approached me and basically just made small talk. Summarized: “Hey I see you around often. What school do you go to? Did you just come back from school? I’m a personal trainer, so come to me if you need any help”. Honestly I struggle seeing why an adult man would want to strike up a conversation with some random teenage girl. Weird, right? Well, he’s been bothering me every time I see him at the gym. Sometimes he just waves, or tries to make small talk again. I try to be curt with my answers. It makes me really uncomfortable and I try to avoid him.

Recently, another man bothered me. I have seen him around the gym for ages, but he only recently approached me. He did the same thing as the last guy, just making small talk, but he decided to approach me when I was alone in a sketchy alleyway waiting for my ride! Without getting too much into it, I recently had a terrible experience while hiking when some crackhead chased me through the woods. So now I’m super paranoid and wary of any man. When this man approached me and I was all alone, I was genuinely terrified! I quickly made up an excuse that my dad was waiting for me somewhere and I had to leave (he actually wasn’t there yet) but was still trembling for long after. But I honestly feel kind of stupid because this guy was just making innocent small talk. I feel like I’m sensitive and just overreacting, but like I said earlier, I also think it’s generally creepy for an adult man to strike up conversation with an unfamiliar teenage girl. I guess what I’m looking for is validation for my feelings, or someone to tell me I’m just paranoid.

I’m 17 and from LA county. For a while now, I’ve wanted to become an elementary school teacher. With college around the corner, I’ve been doing some research on this career. What I realized is that the pathway to education is not as simple as I assumed. There’s tons of conflicting information online (get an alternative certification! No absolutely do not get an alternative certification!..) and varies drastically state by state. It’s hard to find information specific to California elementary school teachers. Heck, now I’m wondering if I can even teach elementary because apparently elem teacher enrollment in California is abysmal. It’s all so overwhelming! If there are any Californian elementary school teachers here, what worked for you? If anyone else has advice, it would be greatly appreciated!

I’m 17 and from LA county. For a while now, I’ve wanted to become an elementary school teacher. With college around the corner, I’ve been doing some research on this career. What I realized is that the pathway to education is not as simple as I assumed. There’s tons of conflicting information online (get an alternative certification! No absolutely do not get an alternative certification!..) and varies drastically state by state. It’s hard to find information specific to California elementary school teachers. Heck, now I’m wondering if I can even teach elementary because apparently elem teacher enrollment in California is abysmal. It’s all so overwhelming! If there are any Californian elementary school teachers here, what worked for you? If anyone else has advice, it would be greatly appreciated!

If so, that’s so damn cool! What was it like watching this franchise transform into what is it today? Are you happy with the direction it took? Share everything!

I’m a solo female hiker, so I always carry pepper spray. I have had a very sketchy encounter with some tweaker in the woods, but was able to run away safely without having to use my pepper spray. I was wondering what it would be like to be in a situation where you were forced to used pepper spray. If you have used it before, what’s your story? Was it effective? What happened after?

So, I’ve been on a scary backpacking stories rabbit hole. I both love and hate reading about all the weird shit people have encountered backpacking in the middle of nowhere. Anyways, I’ve noticed a strange pattern. “The lights”. On Reddit posts asking stuff like “scariest backcountry experience?” there is ALWAYS someone who replies mentioning “the lights”. I saw one reply that was like “oh yeah I have a story: (insert a long scary story). Oh and yea, the lights. But everyone has seen them and knows not to follow them.” Bro it is 3 am for me right now.. WHAT THE HELL ARE “THE LIGHTS”?? I hike frequently but have never done multi day backpacking trips, and am feeling strongly deterred from going on any right now!

I am an avid solo backpacker and have encountered several strange, terrifying men. The worst incident was when I was literally chased and threatened by some drug addict through the woods. I am forever grateful that the car was nearby and I was able to get away. Anyway, these experiences are very depressing and make me consider giving up what I truly love. Having nobody in my life to relate with these experiences is isolating and lonely. But I know you women here can relate. What are your stories?

I love hiking, but seeing so much litter and graffiti in nature really dampens my mood. I can hardly even enjoy hiking now. I really wish I could do more than just pick up whatever I can fit in my pack, but every volunteer group I have seen only accepts those 18 or older, or requires a parent/guardian to be present with you at all times, which my parents are definitely not willing to do. Does anyone know of any trail maintenance volunteer groups (preferably in Angeles National Forest, surrounding forests okay) that would accept a 17 year old? I can get parents' permission signature if necessary.