Very proud of you, and not to rain on the positive parade, I have a request.
Have a plan for your safety, there is a theory in self defense called "condition yellow".
When you are at "condition yellow", you are aware of your surroundings at all times, you know who is around, and before you leave to go to your car, your keys are in your hand so you are ready to jump into the car and immediately lock the doors, your cell phone is always charged and handy, you have pepper spray or some other defensive item like a defense pen readily available. If you need more ideas let me know.
Best of luck to you,
Bill