In response to "Break shouldn't cause students to forget past problems at PSU," Jan. 12:

First, I am a female and I do not fear for my life when I walk across campus.

I certainly feel for the women who have been attacked or violated, and I am cautious in my ventures when it's dark -- but I do not live in fear. Secondly, I can appreciate your opinion that the current issues need to be addressed and cannot be altogether forgotten.

But I disagree with the insinuation that every student needs to think about these things continuously.

I can learn from these experiences and adapt to them as I see fit, and I feel confident that the authorities -- and university officials -- are doing their best to bring offenders to justice.

Simply put, I don't believe anyone will benefit if the entire student body and residential population are worrying about every negative thing that has occurred. I suggest that we let the authorities do their jobs, and we take personal responsibility to avoid putting ourselves in situations where these crimes are likely to happen.

I'm not blaming the victims for these crimes against them, but I think it's reasonable to say that some sexual assaults could be prevented if people were more cautious.

It may not be fair or convenient, but with all of the recent offenses against women, the realistic solution is for women to take more precautions to ensure their safety -- until offenders are convicted or someone concocts a way to eliminate negativity from our world for good.