This letter is in response to Randolph Flick II ("Crime wave should make 'U' proactive" SN 3/29).

I have been taking self-defense classes for three months now and just recently have started teaching them. It still amazes me when I realize how much confidence I've gained in this time. Before, I had someone walk me to my car at night. Now, I have no fear of walking alone. It's an empowering feeling knowing the basic skills to defend myself.

Self-defense teaches that you are capable of defending yourself, no matter the situation or age, gender or size of your assailant. I highly recommend that everyone, males and females alike, take a self-defense class.

If the numerous acts of violence in East Lansing lately make you have second thoughts about your safety, consider taking a self-defense class. It might save your life.

Tamara Olton
anthropology and interdisciplinary humanities junior