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Written by: Melody Shekari
After researching the R.A.D. program, I was eager to see what the class actually entailed. I also wanted to know why others take the class.
Jessica Tokarz, Olivia DiLorenzo, Betsy Nally, and Jenna Cavicchia are a group of lively freshman that are taking the course this semester. Cavicchia said that after seeing the emails for the class, she thought it would be a good idea to take it, and the girls decided that they wanted to take the class together. DiLorenzo said that it was more comfortable taking the class with friends, and in both classes I attended, I noticed that most girls had at least one friend in the class with them. Nally also commented that “Everyone should do it,” and Tokarz said she couldn’t wait to use her moves in the future.
According to the instructors, no one that has gone through the course at Bentley has reported having to use the physical moves, but past students have said that they use the risk reduction strategies and have even gotten into the defensive stance. These strategies may have diffused the situation so that physical attacks haven’t been necessary.
During the first class, I was given a booklet with information for the course. The class went over some of the points, including how to be more aware of your surroundings. It really got me thinking about how little I think about that. Being in this safe bubble at Bentley has caused me to let down my guard. It’s comforting to live in here, but what happens when I leave? Hopefully, thinking about this now will help me be more safe and aware in the future.
The second class was more physical than the first. After learning the initial moves in the first class, effective strategies were the focus. We practiced our moves on instructors with pads, and they gave helpful feedback. I can confidently say that I know how to effectively knee someone in the groin, but, hopefully, I won’t ever need to do that. I already feel better about my ability to protect myself, and I’m ready for the next class.
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