Don’t Think It Can’t Happen To You!

Imagine a student walking towards a vacant parking lot. As she   arrives at her car, she  notices a shadow  inching nearer, as if it appears to be getting closer and closer. BAM! A forceful grab of the wrist triggers the student's self defense senses, but she does not know what to do!

On Wednesday November 9, 2011, the Greek International Fraternity incorporated, Sigma Lambda Beta; Latina Sorority Incorporated, Lambda Theta Alpha; and Club Colombia came together to spread awareness about self defense amongst students at Kean University and the public.

Throughout the presentation, head speaker, Naima Flores -- senior, physical education major and a current member of the United States National Guard and Lambda Theta Alpha -- featured a PowerPoint presentation informing the crowd where and when self defense should be applied, offering scenarios and advice. Some examples of where self defense might be appropriate to use are terroristic plots, harassment, and muggers.

"Don't Think it Can't Happen  To  You!" was the motto of the program. All three O oganizations stressed to the audience the importance of "expecting the unexpected". "It can happen to you… to anyone. If you aren't prepared, you may be a victim. If you are prepared, you won't," says junior computer science/criminal justice double major and Sigma Lambda Beta member, Benjamin Batista.

A very important aspect being discussed was the use of weapons during a harmful situation. Weapons such as guns and pepper spray can be use in self defense, but if used inaccurately, they can cause serious bodily harm to both the victim and the attacker. "When you use a weapon, you need to know how to use it, and think about all the laws you might be breaking if the gun is not licensed -- there are too many risks " says Batista. Pepper spray is also a very dicey weapon that can easily be used incorrectly, such as by  spraying it the opposite way or gusts of wind spreading the hazardous chemicals in the air. Weapons may not be available at the moment; therefore, the best idea might be to use self defense techniques.

The presentation consisted of multiple demonstrations, in which participants paired up and re-enacted certain scenarios. The presenters displayed techniques and informed the audience on ways to protect themselves during situations. "Instead of screaming ‘help!' when confronting danger, yell ‘Fire!' It will attract more attention" stated Flores.

Students seem to enjoy learning the techniques. Not only was it fun to gain knowledge about self defense, but it helped students become aware -- allowing them express their strengths and reveal their capability. "It was a good experience, I never anticipated being able to throw someone on the floor; it was empowering" stated Astrid Chacon, junior, communication/media major, and President of Club Colombia.

Flores explained how important it is to learn self defense: "It is important to learn because most of the cases that get reported, the victims never see it coming. Also with the location of this school, you never know what can happen."

Overall the program distributed information and provided knowledge for any future situations that could possibly occur. These three organizations joined as one for this program -- spreading awareness and letting students know that self defense is vital, and one should acknowledge its importance.  "Your best self defense weapon is your mind!"