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By Veronica Gonzalez Hoff, Division of Student Affairs

Cadet George Hass ‘22 came to Texas A&M University in hopes of finding his path toward making a difference in this world, not just through his major, but through art, music, and cultural awareness and diversity initiatives.

“I want to be somebody that makes a difference actively rather than making a passive difference, somebody that works towards bettering the education of others,” he shared.

George takes his initiatives seriously. He comes from German, African-American, and Native American heritage and pays homage to each of his roots through activism, involvement, and creativity. Last year, Texas A&M featured George in a Native American Heritage Month story showcasing his heritage through traditional regalia that he created himself.

The third-generation Aggie came to Texas A&M in pursuit of environmental design. He values the way the program encompases creativity and problem-solving skills through a variety of courses and experiences that allow students to pursue careers in graphic design, industrial consultation, interior design, animatics, and architectural draftwork. He intends to go on to graduate school for his master’s and eventually focus on teaching to help foster the spark of creativity in others.

“Knowing the history of where we came from and looking towards where we're going and how we're improving buildings and progressing architecture is important. I want to teach the next generation with a sense of reverence for both history and culture,” Hass said.

George isn’t waiting until after his education is complete to start making a difference. His mom and sister, who were also members of the Corps of Cadets, have been huge inspirations behind his why and passion for involvement in the Corps and in issues of diversity and culture.

“They are the benchmark, the ones that I look up to to try and reach those extra heights to kind of just go the extra mile because that’s who they are too. The path that they lead is such a trailblazing one. They make me a better person,” George shared.

The cadet has an impressive list of ways he is taking action and raising awareness around the initiatives close to his heart. He is the commanding officer of the Cultural Awareness and Diversity Expansion Team (C.A.D.E.T.), public relations and values officer and treasurer of the Corps, Public Relations and Marketing Lead for the Intentional Leadership Conference, Education Chair for the Texas A&M Unit #6859 of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a member of the education subcommittee as Corps Liaison for the Student Government Association’s Diversity Commission, contributing member of the MSC Dr. Carter G. Woodson Black Awareness Committee (WBAC), Treasurer for the Native American and Indigenous Student Organization, and is also a member of the Aggie Honor Council.

George credits his membership in the Corps as the reason why he is now involved in several organizations on campus. He first got involved with C.A.D.E.T as a freshman and began making connections with other students and organizations from there. He has worked hard to develop a time management plan that works for him so that he can pursue his degree while maintaining time for himself and his involvement on campus.

“I just want to do whatever I can while I am here to make this space better than what it is for everyone involved,” George shared. “It’s about being an example of growth, whether that be through the cultural lens or through the Corps as a liaison. Being an agent for change. I came in with a mission and I'm trying to live up to it.”

SPECIAL UNIT - George Hass '22 meets with other cadets at the Adams Band Hall during a general body meeting for the Cultural Awareness and Diversity Expansion Team (C.A.D.E.T.).

While it seems like George has his journey at Texas A&M all figured out, there was a time where he wasn’t sure how to keep moving forward. During his sophomore year, George experienced physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. His coursework was demanding and he was still trying to figure out how to balance those demands with his personal and extracurricular activities.

George began leaning into the community within WBAC and reached out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to seek support. The support he received during this time was vital for him and he now tries to help educate other students on the importance of taking those steps to seek help.

“I felt the most lonely I think I've ever felt. I felt at the bottom of the barrel, I was in such a dark place just in my mind. I was so exhausted,” he shared. “The services are there for a reason. Go to CAPS. Go talk to people. Make sure that you're reaching out because I was surrounded by people, but I never felt more alone at that time.”

Through his time at Texas A&M, George is grateful to have found a familial connection among the Aggie community much like his family connection at home. His struggles and challenges have become stepping stones to where he is now.

“Everything happens for a reason. In order to have these strides forward, you have to have those missteps. There will be bumps in life. For me, if it weren't for becoming a cadet, I wouldn't have gotten involved in all these other ways,” he shared. “I’m living proof of the positive effect the Corps of Cadets can have. It's just been a wonderful domino effect that has gotten me to this point.”