“My original intent wasn't to make content to gather an audience and create this sense of belonging on campus, but that is my goal now.”

Freshman business student Jase Powell has caused a commotion on Tiktok, as he paints a new and exciting picture of Texas A&M. Jase has created a community of students through his content. Past, current, and future students alike can agree that his fresh perspective is inspiring and quite honestly hilarious. Powell built his platform by making funny videos about his experience as a student, and in just a few short months his following has skyrocketed to over 48,000, with a like count of over 2.5 million. He strives to create a feeling of belonging for his audience, his authentic content makes it feel like you are right there, experiencing his daily life alongside him. From selfie sticks to student interviews, Jase does it all in his own style. We sat down with him to learn more about our favorite “aggie-tok” creator.

How has your experience been at A&M so far?

My A&M experience has honestly been beautifully amazing and I would credit that to my involvement on campus. Starting off I was a little bit hesitant about what my experience would entail because I live off-campus. So I was more encouraged to be involved, which is why I joined two organizations, so I would have that tether to campus. I have made really good friends, my experience has been beautiful.

What is it like being recognized on a campus of over 70,000 students as a freshman?

As a freshman, it's crazy because my demographics have been mostly A&M students, and with 70,000 students, being recognized no matter where I go on campus can be kind of an overwhelming feeling. But also, thankfully I have overcome my social anxiety so it hasn't been difficult for me. When I go on campus to go to class or the library, or somewhere to eat I don't have to question in my mind ‘oh my gosh am I going to get recognized?’, that's not a worry in my mind or a guiding factor in my decision making. It's so fun to have those interactions, it has really added to my experience as a freshman and as an Aggie. 

Do you ever see yourself doing social media full-time? And does it currently interfere with your personal schedule?

I would say one of my best skills is time management, I still work full-time and I am still a full-time student. I find time for making content, sometimes it's just waking up a little earlier than I normally would but I make it work. As far as me being a social media influencer full-time, I don't really see that as a possibility anytime soon. Not because I don’t want to, just because I want to keep this as a hobby instead of trying to monetize it. But, I am also someone who never shuts the door on opportunities, so who knows where this will go? Even within the last week, with how crazy it's been in terms of growth, opportunities, and the people I've met. I can't even imagine a month from now where I will be and what will happen, but for right now I'm focused on getting my degree and having fun, and making sure this remains a hobby for as long as possible.

How do you get involved on campus, aside from social media?

I am a part of Freshman Leaders Establishing eXcellence (FLEX), a Freshman Leadership Organization (FLO), and Twelve, a four-year social organization, and they both have me tied to campus in different ways. FLEX is obviously targeted towards freshmen and the freshman experience. It has given me to chance to be around other freshmen who are comprised of intellectual and physical diversity which has been so essential to my growth this year so far. It really pushes me to critically think, since I am constantly around those who are different from me. Twelve has given me the opportunity to form mentor-mentee relationships since it's not just for freshmen so I have been able to get to know people who are older than me. One project I got to be a part of this year was Big Event at Texas A&M, and it's so gratifying to be able to give back to this community in that way. I was born and raised here so that was a great experience.

What do you love most about your platform? What's your goal in creating content?

My original intent wasn't to make content to gather an audience and create this sense of belonging on campus, but that is my goal now. I have always been someone to seize opportunities, so to have prospective and current students comment ‘wow I can’t wait to come here’ or ‘where were you when I went to A&M?’. It is very fulfilling. It is reaffirming the ‘why’ in why I am doing what I’m doing. When I posted my first video I did not expect it to get the exposure that it did, but it ended up taking off. So I had to do something with it! The reactions I’ve gotten have been mostly positive, but just seeing that A&M students have been impacted by what I post has had a big impact on my life. My goal in creating content has just been to expose that A&M has evolved and become more progressive than people let on, and I want to challenge people to write their narratives based on their experience here. I think it's important that we create a sense of belonging on campus. So that is my intent moving forward: to show our campus in a unique way that hasn't been done before.

What do you see yourself doing in the future?

I want to do business and marketing specifically in the field of sales management. I think it's important to see marketing as the language of business, and I think sales follows you wherever you go. No matter what job you're having to do, whether that's a doctor, dentist, or physical therapist, as those are the ones that are mostly approached in college, you are having to sell yourself. It's important to understand that concept and recognize that sales is building relationships. I just want to find myself building relationships —whatever environment I’m in — I know I want to go in that direction. [I want to] utilize my interpersonal skills, work ethic, and drive. 

If there was one thing you could say to future Aggies what would it be? 

Future Aggies, get involved! Find your niche. I want you to know, all Aggies, current, former, future, you belong here. I want you to always know that. You are accepted, you are embraced, and you belong in this community. As a freshman, if I could give myself a piece of advice a year ago, it would be to get involved, find your friends, challenge yourself, pursue all interests, and above all, remain true to yourself. Be guided by your intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, remain close to your family, but also don't forget to get out there and get the necessary exposure. I think it's important to be critically challenged and to critically think, but also maintain a growth mindset.

Thank you, Jase, for your time and sharing your experiences with us. We look forward to your future content and following you on this journey! 

Written by Zoey Frederick, Photography: Becca Cook, Social Media: Lindsey Rogers