“I don’t think the academics is the end all means all," Kraut said. "However, I’ve done a very good job at showing up to my classes, showing I care to my professors and ultimately that’s what's helped me with my academics, is building a relationship with my professors.”

He said half of the battle is just showing up. In other words, being organized, going to class and establishing relationships with professors are the easy wins students can achieve immediately.

“I’m in class, even if I don’t care about the class, I always just try to have fun in the class," Kraut said. "I participate and ultimately that's what is being an academic weapon, but also you take this mentality of being an academic weapon to every aspect of life.”

As a student at Penn State, Kraut is a firm believer in sitting front row in every class.

“Have fun with it," Kraut said. "I started calling myself an academic weapon because I thought it was hilarious.”

Little did he know that phrase would be used by students across the country, motivating them to do better, be better and go after their fullest potential in a comedic manner. Not to mention, before the interview started, Kraut hit half a million followers on TikTok.

Kraut is responsible for the new TikTok trend “Kick The Sheets.” Users post a video of themselves early in the morning “kicking the sheets” when they wake up, noticeably eager to start the day. Mimicking Kraut, many social media users post TikToks of themselves doing pushups, jumping jacks or any form of spontaneous exercise.

Furthermore, Kraut started his own “Kick The Sheets” clothing line with this phrase on shirts, mugs, flags, etc.

Many college students aren’t set on a major or field of work they want to pursue. How does Kraut encourage people to bet on themselves?

“Find what you love doing and go for it,” Kraut said.

He seems to have a simple recipe for the success he’s achieved. At the end of the day, it comes down to belief, self-confidence and perhaps a little comedy.

“So many people fall under a societal pressure that they have to do this, or do that," Kraut said. "Don’t follow the herd. Don’t be like everyone else.”