Sarah Fambro: ‘It is what you make it, so make it sweet.’

BY KELLAN BYARS

Multimedia Journalist

Sarah Fambro has a sparkle in her eye that is impossible to miss. Those who know her see her constant laughter and joy that touch everyone she interacts with.

On campus she is constantly involved, from being secretary of the Tri Beta Club to volunteering with Tarleton Serves. Brilliant and accomplished, she remains refreshingly humble, making her curiosity and energy all the more inspiring.

Born in Slidell, Louisiana, she grew up in a family of six siblings. Her parents, Kelly and James Fambro, described her as a curious child, wanting to try anything and everything she saw.

“I called her my butterfly because she was always just flying around,” Kelly said.

In 2015, Sarah’s family moved to Texas, where she quickly distinguished herself academically.

Initially drawn to Texas A&M, Sarah’s path shifted when Tarleton offered her a scholarship and a place in the Honors College. She fell in love with the campus and knew that Tarleton was for her. She also knew that she wanted to make an impact wherever she went.

“When you are a big fish in a small pond, you can make bigger waves and reach more people,” Sarah said of the possibility of impact within Tarleton.

For Sarah, Tarleton was a place where she could grow deeply, make meaningful connections and explore every opportunity without being just another face in the crowd.

She stands out on campus not just for her energy, but for the scope and depth of her involvement. She actively contributes to Tri-Beta Biological Science Society, serving in leadership roles, and Alpha Epsilon Delta, where she helps coordinate professional and volunteer opportunities for peers.

Through Tarleton Serves and alternative spring break trips, she takes on projects that challenge her and make a tangible impact on the community. She tries to attend all the campus events she can, not out of obligation, but because she believes in widening your horizons by being a part of whatever interests you.

Sarah expressed that she holds herself to exceptionally high standards, always pushing to do more, learn more and grow more. For her, achievement isn’t about accolades, it’s about meeting the expectations she sets for herself.

That drive has paid off, opening doors to truly amazing opportunities. The Honors College has recognized her leadership, dedication and intellect, inviting her to speak on behalf of her peers and represent the college at events like study abroad orientations and the 2025 Presidential Honors Scholarship Luncheon.

Sarah considers it an honor, not just for the recognition, but because it reflects the effort and consistency she pours into everything she does. Her philosophy motivates her to engage fully in campus life while inspiring others to do the same.

“Everything I accomplish, I expect of myself. It's not that I’m not proud of myself, but I expect great things of myself,” Sarah said.

Sarah explained that her professors played a key role in fostering her academic career, and she highlighted a few she is especially thankful for.

Carrie Baughn inspired her neuroscience minor and guided her into the Presidential Honors program, while Dr. Corbin James’ visually engaging teaching style solidified her mastery of biology. Dr. Harold Rathburn challenged her with some of the hardest classes of her life but always offered support, and Dr. Max Sanderford provided guidance and recommendation letters crucial for her medical school applications.

In research, Sarah joined the kinesiology human performance lab, mastering lab equipment, data analysis and scientific writing. She presented her findings as a poster finalist at a conference, reflecting on the experience with humility:

“I wouldn’t say I was good at it, but I loved doing it because I was learning so much,” Sarah said.

Her curiosity and perseverance underscore not just academic achievement, but the joy of discovery and growth.

Faith is the foundation of Sarah’s story. Raised Catholic, she experienced what she called a personal reversion in college, choosing to engage with her faith on her own terms. Studying the history and reasoning behind the church deepened her understanding, guiding her in every decision.

“In college, faith stops being your parents’ choice; it becomes yours,” Sarah said.

Her family and friends note her consistent joy and optimism, which she attributes to God.

“I had a friend ask me how I was always so happy,” Sarah said. “The truth is I’m not, but God works through me, and that’s the privilege I have as His daughter. He’s a good guy to lean on.”

Sarah credits Tarleton for nurturing her growth in confidence, compassion and leadership. She has developed humility and joy alongside academic excellence, all while maintaining her values and grounding in faith.

Her impact is visible in her peers’ spiritual and personal lives, where her encouragement and authenticity shine. She made a special impact on a couple at her church named Rob and Suzanne Haney, who she calls her adopted grandparents.

They got to know her through volunteering with the college ministry and were instantly drawn to her outgoing, kind nature.

“She laughs and smiles a lot; she just wants everyone around her to have a good time,” Suzanne said.

Sarah has been a strong role model at her church for younger and older students alike.

“She leads by example; her authenticity is what attracts others, and she is so multifaceted, like a precious gem,” Suzanne said.

In her mother’s opinion, an accomplishment that truly embodies her is a Spartan race she recently completed with her brother, ending muddy, exhausted, but triumphant.

“It wasn’t pretty, but she did it, that’s Sarah,” Kelly said.

Looking forward, Sarah is awaiting medical school interviews and acceptances, aware of the competitive landscape. She is open to taking a gap year, understanding that most medical students enter at 25.

Her dream specialty is physical medicine and rehabilitation, combining her love of anatomy, holistic care and patient-centered treatment. She also loves women’s health, neonatal care and brain-related specialties, seeking meaningful, long-term relationships with patients.

Beyond medicine, Sarah hopes to build a family and live a life marked by care, connection and joy.

At the heart of Sarah Fambro’s story is a belief that college becomes whatever you choose to make it. She hopes others see that it’s not only okay to have wide-ranging passions, but that embracing them can shape some of the most meaningful parts of your life.

Sarah tries everything with optimism, unafraid of looking bold, loud or out of place if it means experiencing something new. She wants students to know they don’t have to fit neatly into one box or worry about what anyone else thinks as long as they’re showing up with joy and authenticity.

Her Tarleton journey has been marked by brilliance, joy, curiosity and a grounded faith that centers her no matter how full her plate becomes. It’s a story of saying yes, of pushing her own boundaries and of trusting that growth comes from simply trying.

“Try everything, don’t be afraid to be a bull in a china shop, and life is what you make it, so make it sweet,” Sarah said.