One student. One mission. A conversation about breast health, community and showing up for the people you love.
Yaleska is a junior studying biological sciences and global health at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. When she heard about the Komen College Ambassador Program, she didn’t hesitate in signing up. This Women’s Health Month, we sat down with her to talk about what brought her here, what she’s learned and what she wants every young woman on her campus to know; read below, in her own words.
Why did you sign up to become a Komen College Ambassador?
After being scheduled for a mammogram, I realized that having breast cancer was possible at my young age. I wanted to make a difference in my campus by educating both men and women about the cancer that is commonly spoken about, but little information is actually known in everyday life.
Has breast cancer touched your life or your community personally?
I experienced [a] breast cancer [scare] firsthand. After not going to the doctor for a wellness check in two years, I was told to schedule a mammogram because they had found a foreign mass. They wanted to rule out that it was not cancer. Although I have experienced cancer and loss in my family, this was the first time that cancer truly felt real.
What does breast health mean to you?
To know my body is to know my culture and the history behind me that makes me, me. I recognize that I must understand my ancestry and what appears to be healthy. Whenever I encounter a difference to my body, I must speak up about it and find a second opinion.
What surprised you most about what you learned during ambassador training?
I was surprised to learn that men are also susceptible to breast cancer. I have always heard about women but never thought about men. It is important that men also screen for breast cancer.
How do you talk to your friends about breast health without it feeling weird or scary?
I have been able to talk to my friends about breast health and simply share the topic. I haven’t had any awkward moments. We are very open-minded and caring because most want to go into health care.
What on-campus event or initiative did you create as an ambassador?
I will be doing a table information event. I will be sharing flyers and doing giveaways to share awareness.
What do you hope will be different — on your campus or in your community — because you became an ambassador?
If I can have one person leave with even just one [piece of] information about how to care for their bodies, I will feel fulfilled. It only takes one, and that person can share that information, almost like a cycle.
To learn more about how you can become a Komen college ambassador, click below!
