The first week in March, NDA’s very own Officer Salituri hosted the second, three day self-defense class to a small group of NDA seniors. Officer Salituri, along with four other local officers, taught our class important lifelong skills regarding personal safety. As young women, we learned how to defend ourselves both physically and mentally in difficult and uncomfortable situations we could potentially face in college or in the future. We learned the importance of exuding confidence and strength through the manner in which we walk, stand, and speak while in unsafe circumstances.

Before taking this class, I had little to no clue how to defend myself in dangerous situations, such as if I were attacked from behind at an ATM or if I were to be pinned down to the ground. The panic and fear would have paralyzed me, but with the skills and tactics I have learned from this class I can confidently say I will be a warrior, I will have a plan on how to use my strengths to the best of my ability, and I will survive. For the first two days of class, we were exposed to different ways to defend ourselves, many of which I would have never even thought of! On the third day, we quickly reviewed, and then individually we entered the gym to experience three simulated scenarios where two men would attempt to take advantage of a young woman. Although the uncomfortable, real life situations caused me to tremble inside, I reminded myself to maintain control and focus, never allowing my opponents get the best of me. I powered through all three scenarios astonished of the strength I did not know I possess. I successfully conquered my fears, and I felt more empowered than ever.

I strongly recommend a self-defense class to women of all ages. Sexual assault and rape are serious offenses that can be prevented if more women are educated on how to defend themselves and how to find their inner strength. I hope that these classes continue to be offered, and I hope that other girls at our school in years to come see the importance of knowing self-defense, so that they may carry these vital skills through life, just as I will.