‘Twas the week before Halloween and all through the campus, all the kids were rejoicing, don’t believe it? Just ask us! The spider webs were hung on the window with care, in hopes that the children would get quite a scare. And one thought was present in all of their heads, Should I be Frankenstein’s bride, a monster once wed? Or maybe a black dress with a witch’s cap, or an artist or dancer or someone who raps? It really to them doesn’t quite matter, just as long as they’re all the focus of chatter.

Costumes — one word that is present in almost every conversation this time of year.  Halloween provides people of all ages with the chance to freely express themselves in any way they want for one night. It is the one night a year on which women can wear fishnets and black leather and call it “a cat costume” and men can walk around in Speedos dressed as “Michael Phelps” — and both outfits are considered socially acceptable.

Who can resist the urge, therefore, to put on the raciest outfit they own? It’s the perfect opportunity to take a stab at your overly protective parents or make that awful ex-boyfriend teem with jealousy!

But, have you properly acknowledged the risks?  It can be very dangerous for women to dress provocatively on Halloween.  When female college students decide to adorn themselves with minimal attire and walk the streets looking for a fun night without the least bit of protection, they are begging disaster to strike.

Halloween is a night for flirtation with mysterious figures in masks and the answer to many fantasies.  People can talk to burly men dressed as firefighters or curvaceous women clad in French maid costumes and their favorite pair of black pumps.  But, would you approach such people on any other day? Are strangers somehow less dangerous on Halloween — especially when the majority of them are hidden behind masks?

I am a proud supporter of freedom of expression and I will personally be sporting a costume full of bright colors, sequins and feathers.  However, I am well aware of the safety measures all students should be taking on this night.

And so I ask you, precious student with a full life before you, to take precautions while enjoying your sugar-crazed night.

Leave your lights on even when you’re not in the room.  For you party hosters: keep an eye on who enters your party.   Be cautious about whom you approach, because that man in the blue might not actually be a police officer. Ladies: be careful to whom you are showing your curves and make sure to keep some strong men around you who you know and trust to ward off unwanted admirers.

I hope your Halloween night is filled with candy and laughter and the right kind of thrills and spooks, not the ones that will scar you for life.  Personally, when asked for a trick or treat, I would always recommend the treat!