Family First
Three siblings make their mark at UM-Flint
By Caroline Rathbun
For most students, attending college is a moment to strike out on their own, the start of a solo journey of discovery and growth. But for Sarah, Samantha and Sebastian Jarbou—a trio of siblings enrolled at the University of Michigan-Flint—higher education is a shared adventure filled with mutual support, friendly mix-ups and a deep commitment to giving back.
Growing up together in Clio, the trio developed a strong sense of connection and community that has proved invaluable in college. As first-generation college students, UM-Flint has become their second home, where each pursues a distinct academic path while maintaining the family bond that has defined their lives.
A Shared Journey through
Uncharted Territory
First-generation college students are often concerned that higher education can be an isolating and uncertain setting. But for Samantha, Sarah and Sebastian, having one another has transformed the experience into a chance to grow their familial connections while expanding their horizons.
“Being first-generation college students has definitely been a challenge, but having each other has made it a lot easier,” said Samantha. “We’ve been able to lean on one another for advice, motivation and reassurance when things get tough. It helps knowing that someone else in the family understands exactly what you’re going through.”
While navigating college has required learning on the fly, their family’s support has been unwavering. “It’s been a learning process for everyone, but our family is proud and supportive,” she said. “Even though they didn’t have the same experiences, they’ve always encouraged us to keep going and make the most of every opportunity.”
The shared first-generation experience has created a unique bond that extends beyond academics. “It’s been rewarding to go through this experience together,” Samantha said. “We’ve grown a lot individually, but also as a family. Being first-generation can be overwhelming at times but sharing it with your siblings makes it much less lonely and much more meaningful.”
Following in Each Other’s
Footsteps
Sarah, a senior nursing major, was the first sibling to attend UM-Flint and helped lead the way for her younger siblings.
“As the oldest sibling and the first to attend UM-Flint, I feel like I helped pave the way for my younger siblings, and it’s rewarding to see them follow their own paths,” she said. “We cheer each other on, study together, volunteer together and enjoy being present in each other’s lives while pursuing our goals.”
Her influence made an impact. When Sarah attended orientation, her siblings and mother accompanied her. “They all fell in love with UM-Flint that day,” she recalled. Now, years later, she cherishes memories of their first week of school, “when we took photos together, excited to be at the same school again.”
Samantha, a junior biology major with a pre-medical concentration and a psychology minor, had several options for college, including the Ann Arbor campus, but chose to stay close to family and community. “It’s rare and special to share this journey as a family,” she said. “Being here together allows us to celebrate our successes, support one another through challenges and fully embrace the opportunities that higher education provides.”
Sebastian, a first-year computer science major and basketball team member, is the newest Wolverine in the family. “Growing up in such a supportive family has made campus feel like a second home. I’ve been able to rely on my sisters for guidance, and their encouragement inspires me to push myself academically, athletically, and personally,” he said. “ This is nothing new to me, though; it has been this way throughout my educational journey.”
While grateful for the overlap, there is a bittersweet reality: his sisters will graduate while he is still at UM-Flint. “Being the last sibling to join UM-Flint has been rewarding, but also a little bittersweet, knowing that my sisters will graduate while I’ll still be here,” Sebastian said. “I have grown used to this rhythm throughout our education, so I’m grateful for the years we share at the same school, making memories and supporting each other.”
The siblings have built a strong support system, each providing guidance and encouragement in their own way. “We motivate and inspire one another, whether it’s through studying, sharing advice or volunteering as a family,” Samantha said. “That support makes even the busiest weeks manageable.”
Sarah takes her role as the oldest seriously, striking a balance between accountability and encouragement. “I guide my siblings when needed and celebrate their achievements so we can all grow together,” she said. “I hope to be a source of guidance and encouragement, helping them navigate challenges while reminding them to embrace opportunities. I want them to feel confident exploring their passions while knowing our family is always behind them.”
Sebastian appreciates the guidance but also brings his own energy to the dynamic. “I lean on them for advice and support, but I also contribute my perspective, energy and excitement, especially as I explore athletics and get more involved on campus,” he said.
Leadership, Learning and Laughter
Beyond academics, the siblings have made their mark on campus life. Samantha currently serves as Student Government president, a role she holds with pride and humility. Her involvement began in her first year and has expanded to vice president of the Honors Student Council, secretary of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, research assistant on two studies, lab teaching assistant, supplemental instructor, and active member of the Honors Program.
“I was inspired to run because I’ve always been involved in student council with my siblings since elementary school,” Samantha said. “My siblings are proud and supportive—they remind me to stay grounded and to use this opportunity to give back to the UM-Flint community.”
Her leadership has not gone unnoticed—sometimes in unexpected ways. Samantha and Sarah look so much alike that people frequently mistake them for twins, despite being 17 months apart in age. “Sarah and I have shared many moments where people mistake her for me, like when I gave the Academic Convocation Speech and my previous professors congratulated her, thinking she was me,” Samantha said. “Everyone calls us twins, but we’re many months apart. We love laughing about it.”
Sarah embraces the mix-ups with good humor. “I really enjoy it when people think I’m Samantha, it’s like I get to be the president without doing all the work!”
For Sebastian, having two well-known sisters comes with its own dynamic. “Many people know me through my sisters, but I’m excited to build my own reputation and carve out my own path, following in their footsteps in spirit, but in my own way,” he said. “We share the same family values and love for service, but our paths are different. I get to explore athletics and computer science while learning from my sisters’ experiences.”
A Tradition of Giving Back
Service runs deep in this family. Volunteering together is a cherished tradition, whether through Flint nonprofit organizations or campus events such as Touch-a-Truck.
“We’ve always been a close-knit and supportive family, full of love, laughter and shared responsibility,” Samantha said. “Being first-generation students, we learned the value of hard work and perseverance early on, and that drive has shaped how I approach my studies, leadership and volunteering at UM-Flint.”
Sarah echoed that sentiment: “Our family has always emphasized caring for one another and giving back. That foundation has made navigating college more meaningful, as we balance our studies while finding ways to serve our community and support each other.”
As the siblings look toward the future, their goals remain rooted in service and gratitude. Samantha hopes to continue serving students with compassion while leaving a lasting impact through leadership and community involvement. Sarah aims to excel academically and give back to the community. Sebastian plans personal and academic growth while contributing to campus life and cherishing his remaining time with his sisters.
“Being first-generation students has made us deeply grateful for the opportunities UM-Flint provides,” Samantha said. “We hope to carry forward the lessons we learn here by giving back to the community that has supported us.”
For now, the siblings are making the most of their time together on campus—studying, laughing, volunteering and building memories that will last long after graduation. At UM-Flint, these three have shown that when it comes to higher education, sometimes the best journey is the one you take together.