A woman shared the things in her everyday life she would never do after gaining experience working in corrections in a viral video.
TikToker Michaela–a.k.a. @michaelakatharina90–followed the trend of people disclosing certain things they would not apply in life based on occupational experiences and stitched it with her own video sharing what she learned after working in a Canadian prison for 2.5 years.
During her time there, Michaela learned safety tips that could be applied to everyday living and potentially save lives.
@michaelakatharina90/TikTok
For starters, Michaela said she would "never put one of those stick-figure families" or "any identifiable sticker" on the back of her vehicle to indicate her as being either single or married with children. "They don't need to know that information," she said.
@michaelakatharina90/TikTok
@michaelakatharina90/TikTok
She also said she would never correct anyone's assumption about her because strangers do not need to know any more information about her.
"Especially as a queer woman, a lot of people assume that I have a boyfriend," Michaela continued, " and I will let them believe that because for my safety, they do not need to know that I am queer."
Another hard no for Michaela is to walk around listening to music. She said people should always be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially at night.
She prefers having her keys nearby to use as a potential weapon in the case of a threatening situation, and she wears shoes she could run in.
Locking your car door was another tip she imparted, as many people tend to ignore the protocol while sitting inside their vehicle waiting for someone.
@michaelakatharina90/TikTok
When it comes to taking a cab, she said she would never set foot in one without "making a note of the license plate or taking a photo of the license plate."
@michaelakatharina90/TikTok
@michaelakatharina90/TikTok
Michaela continued with a home safety tip, saying she would never give out specific information about her location.
@michaelakatharina90/TikTok
For instance, if an arrangement was made involving dropping off or picking up a package, she would meet them in the lobby of her apartment building instead of sharing her apartment unit number.
@michaelakatharina90/TikTok
When meeting someone for the first time, she is a firm believer no one should go to a bar or other establishment she is unfamiliar with, alone with a stranger.
@michaelakatharina90/TikTok
For her last tip, the TikToker said it would probably "be controversial," but said in the event she eventually has kids, she would never allow them to go on sleepovers or be alone with another adult until they were old enough to have a conversation with her about grooming and sexual assault.
"I have seen too many cases of children getting assaulted by someone that is trusted and someone that you would have never thought was capable of doing that," she said.
Her final point resonated with so many people.
@michaelakatharina90/TikTok
@michaelakatharina90/TikTok
@michaelakatharina90/TikTok
@michaelakatharina90/TikTok
Michaela maintained that any sleepovers taking place will only happen in her own home.
The clip resonated with so many viewers as it racked up over 718,000 views, and it inspired a second followup clip.
Her second clip included tips like, if she were single and going out on a date, she makes sure to tell a friend where she was meeting the date, the date's name, and what time she is expecting to be back home.
She also has no problems refusing someone she doesn't know into her apartment complex, even though they're waiting to be let into the lobby of the building.
Michaela also said she would never post photos of her future children in bathing suits on social media because there is likely someone who may sexualize your child.
When driving, she said she is always alert about the cars behind her and takes a mental note of the possibility they could be following her.
Finally, she said she does not list her full name on social media or anywhere else except within a professional capacity. Michaela said her father who used to work with patients struggling with mental health and addictions had his full name removed from telephone books to prevent former clients from finding him and contacting him personally.
In the comments for her initial video, Michaela wrote:
“Many people have told me I’m being too cautious. As long as it isn’t obsessive, it isn’t too cautious."
"You are protecting and taking care of yourself.”
