The word “home” means different things to everyone. For some, it’s the house they grew up in or a person who shaped their fondest memories. For others, it’s more of a feeling than a person or place.
Cole Baerlocher ’26 has called several places home. For the first 20 years of his life, it was Colfax, Washington. In a few weeks, home will become Washington, D.C.
But for the past three years, home has been College Station.
Baerlocher talked with us about his upbringing in agriculture, serving as the National FFA president, moving over 2,000 miles away from his hometown to become an Aggie and what’s next for him in Washington, D.C.
Most importantly, he discussed how the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has been his home away from home and how it changed the trajectory of his life.
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in a small rural community in Washington and was involved with my grandparents’ wheat and cattle operation from a young age. I have fond memories of riding combines and checking cows with my grandpa – I think that’s where my love for agriculture began.
After graduating from high school, I took a gap year to serve as the state president for Washington FFA. Following that year of service, I ran for national FFA office and was selected as president. Those experiences really shaped me as a person and allowed me to give back to others.
Why did you choose to attend Texas A&M University?
During my year as a national officer, I took a three-day trip to College Station and immediately fell in love with Texas A&M. On the flight back to the National FFA headquarters in Indianapolis, I remember feeling sad, like I was leaving a home.
I knew I wanted to be an Aggie, so I applied and was accepted into the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications. Coming to Texas A&M was the best decision I ever made, and it has impacted the trajectory of my life in so many ways.
How did your time as a national officer help your transition to Texas A&M?
I had the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life as a national officer. At the beginning of my year of service, I set a goal for myself: be the kind of person who can build relationships with anyone and meet them exactly where they’re at.
It didn’t take long to realize that’s what it means to be an Aggie, too. Community has always been important to me, and the community at Texas A&M is unlike any other.
Aggies make sure nobody is left behind; that’s why we have traditions like Muster, Silver Taps and Bonfire Memorial. That’s why my professors and peers in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences know me by name and make time to have genuine conversations.
The qualities I wanted to emulate as a national officer are the same qualities I met with when I came to Texas A&M; that’s how I knew I was in the right place.
“We have the greatest faculty, staff and students in the world, and I love how there’s such an emphasis on excellence.”
– Cole Baerlocher ’26
What was your involvement like on campus?
I got involved at Texas A&M right away. I was so excited to be a student here and didn’t want to take any opportunity for granted.
For me, that was getting involved with Aggie ACHIEVEMates, joining a student government committee, serving as a Muster host and being a Fish Camp counselor. I had several student worker jobs throughout college, including working with Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications and the Board of Regents. I participated in all the Aggie traditions and tried to treasure every second spent on campus.
What makes the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences unique?
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has truly become a family for me. Not a day goes by that I don’t run into a friend from the College on campus and have a meaningful conversation with them.
We have the greatest faculty, staff and students in the world, and I love how there’s such an emphasis on excellence. My classes and activities have prepared me to excel when I step into the workforce. The academic rigor and thriving community at Texas A&M are unmatched, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.
What advice would you give incoming students?
My best advice is to put yourself out there: go out for that organization, apply for that club and make friends with people you don’t think you have anything in common with. That’s where the most learning and growing will take place. You’ll get accepted to some opportunities and rejected from others, but it’s important to be just as grateful for both. The “noes” have shaped me just as much as the “yeses.”
What’s next for you?
After my graduation on Dec. 18, I’m moving to Washington, D.C., to pursue a career in agricultural policy and communications. I was fortunate to participate in the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program, which laid the foundation for my love of policy and appreciation for the culture in Washington, D.C.
Overall, every experience I’ve had during college has prepared me for this transition. If it weren’t for Texas A&M, I don’t think I’d be taking this step in my career. I love knowing I’ll have a network of fellow Aggies cheering me on, even after I move away from College Station. That alone is a testament to the culture of caring we have here.
No matter where I end up, I’ll always be thankful for my time at Texas A&M and the mark this place has left on my heart.
