At Building A Purpose, we take great pride in our work and are honored to highlight one of the many transformative experiences our #BAP Students. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, and we are committed to focusing on their unique interests. We connect them with professionals in their respective fields, actively create pathways to promising futures, and help them unlock their full potential.
Esmeralda Macias Frauzto, graduated valedictorian from South San Antonio High School, class of 2022. During her years at South San Antonio High School, Frauzto picked Ackah as her mentor through BAP’s College Professional Connection Program.
Frauzto was drawn toward Dr. Ruth Ackah, A General Surgeon because she knew she would follow Ackah’s career path and learn what it would take to become a doctor. “I could not have asked for a better mentor, honestly,” Frauzto said. “She helped me shape my path and gave me advice regarding classes and challenges I might encounter during my pursuit of continued education; she even offered to write a letter of recommendation for medical school when the time came.”
Pursuit of Happiness:
During BAP’s kickoff for CPCP, we always ask, “What is your life purpose?” For Esmi, she was clear in her response. “My life purpose has always been rooted in the pursuit of happiness. Growing up, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always the same: To be happy.”
While she transitioned into college, she embraced what she identified as a “pre-happy” journey,
centered on building the skills and experiences that would enable a fulfilling and meaningful life.
At the core of her purpose is a commitment to giving back to her community, a value instilled in
her, as the eldest daughter of two immigrant parents and a first-generation college student.
While her overarching purpose remains grounded in happiness and service, she has also honed a
clear career goal: to become an orthopedic surgeon.
“My desire to enter this field stems from a deep-seated passion for healthcare and an unwavering determination to provide exceptional care to others. This career path aligns seamlessly with my life purpose, allowing me to merge personal fulfillment with professional impact.
My journey is one of gratitude, resilience, and dedication, and my life purpose is a reflection of
everything I hold dear: my family, my community, and the belief that happiness is not just a
destination but a way of living purposefully and giving back. “
Adapting with Purpose:
When asked about advice, Esmi could share with other students who may be struggling with their purpose; it was clear that Esmi’s love and passion for helping others were flowing into her words of wisdom.
“Finding your life purpose doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Start small by identifying
what brings you fulfillment in everyday moments, helping others, solving problems, creating art,
or learning something new. These small sparks can eventually guide you toward something
bigger. Remember, life isn’t a straight path, and it’s okay to try new things without having all the
answers. What matters most is growing from each experience and learning more about yourself
along the way. Connecting with mentors, teachers, family, or friends can also make a significant
difference. Hearing their journeys can inspire you and reinforce the idea that purpose evolves
over time.
What matters most is growing from each experience and learning more about yourself
along the way. Connecting with mentors, teachers, family, or friends can also make a significant
difference. Hearing their journeys can inspire you and reinforce the idea that purpose evolves
over time.
For example, through Building A Purpose, I found invaluable guidance from a mentor, now a successful general surgeon, who supported me and helped shape my path during high school. This kind of mentorship can be pivotal in building clarity and confidence as you discover your purpose.”
Persistence with purpose:
While juggling demanding schedule: working 25 hours a week, taking 17 credit
hours of upper-level courses, and volunteering over 15 hours weekly. Esmi encountered unexpected challenges along the way. Esmi’s pivotal wake-up call was when she was diagnosed with a concussion during her second year. This required her to confront her limitations but also face the irony of being a “Terrible Patient,” especially for an aspiring doctor to be.
“I had to remind myself that life isn’t a race and that slowing down doesn’t mean failing. It was during this period of reflection that I realized the importance of balance and self-care. I made the difficult decision to drop a course, my first and only drop, which, ironically, was biochemistry. Initially, I viewed this as a personal failure, but it ultimately allowed me to reset, focus, and finish the semester strong, earning A’s in my remaining courses.
After much consideration, I chose to change my major to chemistry. While it was challenging to let go of biochemistry, a field I had so deeply identified with, I discovered that chemistry offered a slightly more lab-focused curriculum that I genuinely enjoyed.
This decision required me to confront my fear of failure and reframe it as an opportunity for growth. What I once saw as a setback became a turning point that helped me refine my goals, rediscover my passion for
science, and embrace the idea that adjusting your path doesn’t mean abandoning your dreams.
Instead, it’s a sign of resilience and adaptability, qualities I carry with me as I continue my
journey toward becoming a physician.
Through Building A Purpose, I gained more than scholarships and guidance; I gained a sense of
direction and belonging. The program helped me recognize my potential and reaffirmed my
commitment to serving my community. It also taught me the value of mentorship, not only as a
mentee but now as a mentor. Being part of this program has given me the opportunity to inspire
others, just as my mentor inspired me, creating a legacy of support and empowerment.”
Paving Purpose for others:
Now a proud UT graduate Esmi is in preparation for her next transition, medical school!
“Post-college, I am looking forward to dedicating a gap year to further preparing for medical
school and deepening my experiences in healthcare. During this time, I plan to complete my
medical school applications while continuing to work as both an EMT and a Patient Care
Technician roles that provide invaluable patient care experience. I will also continue serving my community by interpreting for a nonprofit clinic, combining my passion for language and healthcare to help bridge
communication barriers. These experiences will not only enhance my skills but also reaffirm my
commitment to becoming a surgeon.”
Esmeralda Macias Frauzto is a Pillar of Purpose!
Building A Purpose has the honor to be a part of Esmi’s journey and helping laying down the building blocks of her foundation. We are extremly honored and appriciative to have amazing mentor’s and volunteers such as Esmi’s Mentor, Dr. Ruth Ackah, who tirelessly strive to pour back into our students.
Esmi leaves our #BAPFamily with these words of kindness that reinforce our dedication to our work as a non-profit.
“Building A Purpose has been a cornerstone of my journey, providing the foundation I needed to
transition from a high school student to a mentor. The program not only gave me my first
scholarship, which solidified my path toward becoming a surgeon, but also paired me with an
incredible mentor, general surgery resident, who guided me through high school and beyond.
Her support and shared experiences at my university inspired me to dream big and stay
determined. Now, as a mentor myself, I strive to give back the same encouragement and
guidance that I was so fortunate to receive.
Building A Purpose has been life-changing for me. It provided the financial, emotional, and
academic support I needed to succeed as a first-generation college student. The mentorship I
received shaped my journey and inspired me to become a mentor myself, empowering the next
generation of students. To anyone considering joining the program, I want to say this:
Building A Purpose is more than a program, it’s a community that believes in you, supports you,
and helps you achieve your dreams. If you’re ready to work hard and embrace the opportunities
it offers, it will change your life. LET’S START BUILDING!”
Congratulations on your accomplishments, and THANK YOU, Esmeralda, soon-to-be Dr. Macias Frauzto!
