By Ginger Kelley

Fear is an emotion that every woman has felt at one time in her life. But fear does not have to govern our footsteps.

There are the guys next door that just creep you out; you don't know why, they just do. Or maybe it's just some guy that looked at you weird, or the friend that got beaten or raped. There are lots of things to be afraid of but the fear does not have to consume you. Fear isn't part of everyday normal life, and it shouldn't be part of even one day or one hour.

There are ways to feel safe, especially in a college town. Overcoming or avoiding fear does not have to be a hard thing. There are the basic things that we've been told since we could crawl: avoid bad situations, stay in groups, walk where it is well lighted. But feeling safe goes beyond this.

There are also self-defense classes that are not only helpful, they're fun and give you confidence. And having confidence in yourself is half the battle. If you look like an easy target, you probably will be. Take the time to walk upright, act like you know where you're going (even if you don't). Self-defense classes are often free and several are taught through Utah State University as well as by the Logan City Police Department.

Being aware of the facts also helps curb that wild imagination we inherited. The chances that you'll get plowed over by a cement truck are greater than getting attacked in Cache Valley. So maybe a convicted sex offender lives next door. They're not the ones to be afraid of since the police can pop in on them anytime they want, so the chances of them being repeat offenders is slim to none.

Cache Valley may not be the safest place in the world, but even with all the dangers confronting woman today, we can be in control of our situations and the way we feel inside. Fear is easily overcome by just taking some time to be informed and by having confidence.