Taking a Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) class here at Ferris State University might just save my life while boosting my confidence at the same time.
I learned how to defend myself against an attacker, which could be the most important thing I learn during my college career.
College students may not realize it, but rape or aggressive attacks happen often, even if they go unreported.
People always say they never think they will become a victim, but according to campussafetymagazine.com, college freshmen and sophomore women appear to be at greater risk of being victims of sexual assault than upperclassmen. Approximately 84 percent of women who reported sexually threatening experiences said the incident took place during their first four semesters on campus.
I don’t want to be the unprepared person who thinks it could never happen to me. It’s real and attackers are out there. That’s not something people should just ignore.
The officers who constructed RAD didn’t want us girls to end up being a part of a statistic. They wanted us to become more confident and sure of ourselves.
The officers put on a bunch of pads and simulated different scenarios for us to practice what we had learned. And let me tell you, it was the best feeling knowing you can kick ass.
The RAD class didn’t only teach me how to defend myself, but it also taught me when to be more aware of my surroundings and to trust my instincts.
I look over my shoulder a little more often and I no longer look down when I’m walking around at night. I carry myself with confidence, even when I’m a little scared.
I no longer live my life afraid of what could happen to me. I embrace it and know I can take on whatever comes my way.