Student stories carry the power to change, challenge, and encourage us. The Texas A&M community is a united but diverse group of individuals-each with unique characteristics and life experiences. My Aggie Story shows how Aggies share more than core values and how telling stories can open doors to dialogue, connectivity, and inclusivity. Whether it is a small triumph or a life-changing epiphany. It's yours; your story contributes to the value and legacy of Texas A&M University.

This week we spoke with Jacey Henrichs ‘22, a psychology major from Cost, Texas and an Aggies Reaching Aggies Peer Educator through the Suicide Awareness and Prevention Office. Jacey is passionate about raising awareness around mental health issues and suicide prevention and promoting diversity, inclusion, and access. Aside from being a peer educator, Jacey is a member of Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors, a Teaching Scholar for the Psychology Department, a member of their Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and a research assistant in the Health Behavior Research Group and a member of the Aggie Research Program. This past year she also had the opportunity to serve as the Vice-President of Communication for the Student Government Association- Diversity Commission.

DSA: What is your favorite part about being an Aggie?

Jacey: To me, one of the best things about being an Aggie is the people you meet and the community you build. I am constantly amazed by every person I interact with at Texas A&M University. We all have such drastically different lived experiences, passions, and goals but we unite in the simple aspect that we are Aggies.

DSA: How have you found your sense of belonging at Texas A&M?

Jacey: As a first-generation student I always heard stories of the “Aggie Network”, which I will admit to being a bit skeptical about, and for a while I was dead set on attending University of Texas.. I didn’t think there was a place for me at Texas A&M. As an LGBTQ+ student I heard all the horror stories about the climate on campus and thought I’d be happier at what I thought would be a more welcoming college. I have never been happier to be wrong about something. My decision to attend Texas A&M has never been something I regretted, mainly due to the sense of community I have found here. One of the things that has made me feel like I belong at Texas A&M is finding Aggies with similar passions. The communities I have found within the Aggies Reaching Aggies program and the Texas A&M SGA Diversity commission have helped me find my place at this huge university. 

DSA: What made you decide to get involved at Texas A&M?

Jacey: Most of my involvement at Texas A&M has stemmed from my own personal experiences. As a teenager I had my own personal battles with suicide and mental health. For a long time, I felt like I didn’t have a place in this world, and to be quite honest, that it would be better off without me in it. Thankfully, I’m not in that place anymore. However, throughout my journey I have found comfort and empowerment in sharing my story so that others don’t feel like they need to struggle alone. This was the main reason I joined Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors my freshman year. That same semester we lost one of our members to suicide. At that moment I was like “there has to be more I can do” so I joined the Aggies Reaching Aggies Peer Educator Program. Here I have been able to share my passion for suicide prevention. I find myself being open and honest with my struggles in the hopes of supporting others in doing the same. Many people will say your impact needs to be big. I disagree. I believe if we help one Aggie, one person, realize their value and place in our community, then we are exemplifying what it means to be an Aggie. This has been the cornerstone of my involvement at Texas A&M and has taught me to never underestimate the impact one person can have. Aggies are always willing to lend a hand where they can.