Building A Purpose’s alumna follows her mentor’s footsteps by furthering her education by majoring in biochemistry at The University of Texas at Austin.
Esmeralda Macias Frauzto,18, graduated valedictorian from South San Antonio High School, class of 2022. She is set to start her first semester at The University of Texas at Austin in the fall of 2022.
Frauzto wants to become an orthopedic surgeon in the future, she was guided by her mentor, general surgeon, Dr. Ruth Ackah.
Ackah gravitated towards Frauzto because of the sort of quiet determination she showed.
“I noticed that she has a way of taking in what you’re saying and quickly applying it to her own life and goals, Ackah said. “It’s something that I really admire about her.”
Frauzto picked Ackah as her mentor through BAP’s College Professional Connection Program in her freshman year. Frauzto was drawn toward Ackah because she knew she would follow Ackah’s career path and learn what it would take to become a doctor.
“I did not know what I was going into,” said Frauzto. “I was just like ‘oh I want to become a doctor.’”
Frauzto said her mentor helped her shape her path and give her advice regarding classes and challenges she will be facing during her higher education career.
“Medicine is a long road but just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it or that you’re not equipped for it! Keep moving forward one day at a time,” Ackah said.
Ackah has told Frauzto to become a yes-woman when an opportunity presents itself.
“When opportunity comes knocking at your door, throw the doors wide open and give it your best shot because you never know what opportunities will be the seed for another dream actualized,” Ackah said.
Frauzto was able to meet up with Ackah this past year and now she has connections at UT and a doctor’s personal information in her back pocket so they can stay in touch.
Frauzto said that Ackah offered to write her a recommendation letter when Frauzto is ready to apply for medical school.
“I could have not asked for a better mentor honestly,” Frauzto said.
Frauzto was first introduced to Building A Purpose when co-founder, Jesus Rendon offered the freshman class the opportunity to apply for the “Be” scholarship during her college transition class. She was with BAP up until her senior year of high school.
Frauzto decided to join Building A Purpose because “as a freshman, I thought it was like the coolest program ever,” Frauzto said. “It was preparing you for the future, to become a better version of yourself.”
When Frauzto joined the CPCP her freshman year she immediately applied for the “Be” scholarship.
Frauzto won the Building A Purpose “Be” scholarship during her freshman year of high school.
“It was the first scholarship I had ever applied for, so I gave it my absolute best, and when I got the scholarship as a freshman I was like ‘wow someone believes in me!’” Frauzto said.
Frauzto also joined Building A Purpose Saturdays in her sophomore year.
BAPSAT exposed her to different workshops that helped her prepare for the ACT/SAT, resume building, different speakers, and how to make meaningful connections and grow more confident.
“In ninth grade they showed me how to be responsible, how to pass my exams, to never give up and keep trying. They believed in me,” Frauzto said.
Every year Frauzto did more research and improved herself. Her next steps after high school graduation, what classes she needs, how long her career path will take, study habits, etc.
Frauzto would recommend Building A Purpose to all high school students because it changed her overall perspective, opened doors of opportunities and changed her personally.
“It has given me confidence that I lacked for the past 18 years of my life,” said Frauzto. “Those Saturday programs gave me confidence for public speaking.”
BAP allowed Frauzto to grow as an individual and shape her future, BAP also allowed her to tour what would be her future university for the first time during her freshman year.
“Not only with the mentors but with other people, these people try and succeed to give back to the community. They are really changing South San,” Frauzto said.
In the upcoming years, Frauzto hopes to continue striving at the University of Texas at Austin while preparing herself for medical school, internships, surgical residency and ultimately becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
“I hope to get the opportunity to give back to my family, my community and BAP as a form of appreciation” Frauzto said.
