Mary Schrieber ’28 finds fellowship, shared values beyond the blue jacket

After a year of traveling the country as one of six national FFA officers selected from more than 1 million members across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, Mary Schrieber ’28 had countless options for where to continue her leadership journey — and she chose the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“As a national FFA officer, your purpose and goals are so clearly defined, and everyone is clearly serving something larger than themselves,” Schrieber said. “I wasn’t sure if I would find that somewhere else, but as soon as I visited Texas A&M, I could tell those things exist here.” 

Through FFA, the Wisconsin native found a calling in agricultural leadership that ultimately led her to Aggieland. Drawn by a culture of service, community and opportunity, Schrieber began her new chapter in College Station as an Aggie this semester.

An unintentional start

Though Schreiber grew up in Wisconsin, a state known for dairy and row crop production, she was not raised on a farm or ranch.

“I’m several generations removed from the farm, so I didn’t really plan on becoming involved in FFA or agriculture,” Schreiber said. “I always say that I joined FFA by mistake, but I stayed on purpose.”

She first became involved after friends encouraged her to join a competitive team. Through contests, conferences and conventions, she gained firsthand exposure to the people and stories behind agriculture, experiences that began shaping her interest in representing the industry.

“My advisors started taking me to contests, conferences and conventions, and I loved it so much that I kept getting more and more involved,” Schreiber said. “That led to me being elected as a chapter officer, state officer and eventually as a national officer.”

What began as an unexpected activity became a turning point. The relationships she built and the sense of community she found within FFA helped define her commitment to agriculture and sparked her desire to serve as an advocate and champion for the agricultural industry.

How brotherhood was built around her

Schrieber ran for national office out of a desire to “practice brotherhood” on a broader scale, which is a term the National FFA Organization uses to describe building community and close friendships with a group of people. “Practicing brotherhood” is also recited in the opening ceremony script for every FFA meeting or event in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, reflecting the organization’s desire to curate lasting bonds between members.

“I was fortunate to have people express their belief in me, and that belief is what helped me feel a sense of belonging in FFA,” Schrieber said. “Belief and belonging help us practice brotherhood, and I was fortunate to do that throughout my year as a national officer.”

She saw brotherhood come to life through the people around her — members, teachers, families, stakeholders, industry leaders and her five national officer teammates.

“Our national officer team was very close,” Schrieber reminisced. “I’m grateful I got to spend a year with such incredible people who quickly became family, and I will forever be impacted by everyone I met during my national officer year.”

After spending a year building community for others, Schrieber began searching for a university where those same values were present.

Finding purpose as an Aggie

When Schrieber visited College Station in the spring of her national officer year, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

“My path to becoming an Aggie was also a little accidental,” Schrieber said with a laugh. “I knew some people who were current students at the time, and they encouraged me to set up a tour.”

I was shocked to experience firsthand how accessible the leaders of the College are. It’s so evident that they are here for students, and they want to help us solve problems and excel.”

Mary Schrieber ’28
Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

As soon as she stepped foot on campus, Schrieber was sold. Between the warm smiles, intentional conversations and sense of entering a mission and community much bigger than herself, Schrieber knew she had found the type of brotherhood she spent so long building for others.

She applied and was accepted into the College as an agricultural leadership and development student. Now wrapping up her first few weeks on campus as a student in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, lessons from her FFA experience are still guiding her transition.

“One of the core tenets of being a national FFA officer is having humble confidence, which is not letting the highs inflate your head or the lows infect your heart,” Schrieber said.

This belief has translated well to her experience as an Aggie. She’s reminded of humility when she asks about bus stops or classroom locations, and confidence when she speaks to a stranger in the hallway or applies for a student organization.

“I’m grateful for all of it,” Schrieber said. “The Aggie spirit has already been so evident in my short time here, and I’m glad I get to be part of such a special culture.”

Leaders who prioritize community

One of the first things Schrieber noticed about the College was the accessibility and support its leaders offered.

“I was shocked to experience firsthand how accessible the leaders of the College are,” Schrieber said. “It’s so evident that they are here for students, and they want to help us solve problems and excel.”

This intentional support from College leadership has helped Schrieber’s transition to Texas A&M, and she’s confident it will open doors for her future.

“I’m interested in pursuing a career in agricultural policy,” Schrieber said. “I know the Aggie network and incredible people here will help me invest in the right opportunities.”

For someone like Schrieber, who holds dear the true meaning of brotherhood, community and uplifting culture, the College and its people have been a treasured reminder of where she came from and what she hopes to accomplish.

“Their support and genuine care is so impactful,” Schrieber said. “I can already tell how dedicated these people are to my success and the success of every student here, and that kind of dedication and encouragement is life changing.”