Reader defends Oak Park trainer who was fired

Brenda Pasqua is a woman of honor. I met Brenda when she was a child at a local karate studio. We studied the martial arts together for many years. Even though she was only half my age, Brenda was one of my teachers and role models in the martial arts. I was fortunate to be taught by her.

Brenda exemplifies the black belt code of Bushido in her everyday life. True to Zen teachings, she would not do anything to bring shame upon her family or community. True to that code, she conducts herself by holding the seven principles as her lodestar, namely, moral choices, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor and loyalty.

It pains my family to see her good name sullied. As a fellow teacher for OPUSD, it undermines my morale to see one of the best and brightest dismissed. I am indebted to Brenda as a parent. She guided and cared for my daughter this year on the OPHS volleyball team. I would continue to trust her with my own children without hesitation. Brenda, as I did many times in the dojo, I bow in respect you. Andrea Mast Oak Park