Cool.
I'd be unlikely to carry a gun, but having one in my apartment could be a good idea. If I could find a good gun safety course in the area.
I bet some of the regulars on this thread would be happy to advise on a good gun for a young lady...
S&W .357 Magnum... Model 19. It was my first gun, still my most accurate and comfortable gun, and you can shoot either more comfortable .38 bullets or big ole +P .357 magnum loads through it. It's the one I would reach for.
If you wouldn't plan on packing it, I'd get you a bigger heavier pistol like this one for the first gun, because the heavier the gun, the less it kicks, and the more accurate you are.
Later, when you want to wear it, you can try the little snubby lightweight guns or semi-autos ;~D