Patrick Schilling has always wanted to change the world. At just three years old, when his mom asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up, his response aimed high: the chancellor or the president. Now Schilling, a fourth-year studying international management, entrepreneurship and data analytics, is preparing to share his inspirational spirit, journey and advice with graduating seniors as the selected spring commencement speaker.

After growing up in Germany, Schilling came to the U.S. in 2016 to finish the last two years of his undergraduate career at NC State’s Poole College of Management. For Schilling, studying in the U.S. has brought about a myriad of cultural experiences, memories and opportunities alike.

“I would definitely say that seeing how culture, and studying works abroad has been an amazing experience,” Schilling said. “I’ve met so many cool people and heard so many amazing stories [from] people that have been through several things and from people that have had their own experience studying abroad, so it’s been really mind-opening in a way.”

Poole College of Management offered the perfect fit for Schilling, who credited the college’s collaboration with HQ Raleigh and additional companies as particularly impressive.

It is being a part of the overarching NC State community, however, that has most prominently shaped Schilling’s experience as an undergraduate.

“The Wolfpack spirit is definitely something you don’t get anywhere else,” Schilling said.  “Especially due to the two universities I’ve been to, I have a little more comparison ground. It’s been amazing. Everyone’s been so encouraging and ‘think and do the extraordinary’ is not just something that’s written on billboards — it’s something that is lived. And I’ve found that to be very inspiring.”  

Throughout his time at NC State, Schilling has fought to make an impact. It has not gone unnoticed. Founding Digital ShapRs, a student organization dedicated to educating students on the complex nature of artificial intelligence and other digital innovations through speakers and practice, Schilling is a strong advocate for sharing ideas, spreading knowledge and making a change. He encouraged students across disciplines to do the same.

“Take every chance you have to make your voice heard and, if you have a thought process, explore it, develop it and make sure to inspire others with it,” Schilling said. “No thought you have should just be a thought for yourself. If it’s a thought worth exploring, explore it. Make a movement out of it and take others with you.” 

Schilling decided on the theme “transcend your borders” for his commencement speech, an idea that is personally embedded in his journey to success while also facing limitations due to a physical disability. No limitation, however, has stopped Schilling from achieving his dreams.

Schilling’s life and career experience exudes dedication, persistence and fiery passion for equality that students of all kinds can relate to. After all, facing obstacles are a fact of life. And people like Schilling are refreshing reminder that, however overwhelming a roadblock may seem, success is more than possible. Schilling talked on how he has worked tirelessly to achieve his personal and career goals.

“Growing up in the situation I’ve grown up in, I’ve always had several constraints and things that have been more difficult to achieve, or [had to] put more effort into things to just achieve,” Schilling said. “That has shaped me in this mentality that ‘whatever is going to be in your way, no matter [how] insurmountable the challenge might be, just go out there and achieve things.”

Lewis Sheats, assistant vice provost of entrepreneurship, has been an active mentor for Schilling throughout his time here at NC State.

For Sheats, who taught Schilling in two of his classes, watching one of his brightest students come into his own and gain university recognition has been particularly rewarding and, as Sheats put it, a “proud dad moment.” Sheats talked on Schilling’s utmost enthusiasm for learning, growth and development which has been palpable throughout his time at the Poole College of Management.

“His pursuit for knowledge doesn’t die,” Sheats said. “He’s always eager, curious, just a really thoughtful person. It’s really cool to see. It’s also contagious, not just to other students, but to me. I get excited when he gets excited about what he’s learning.”

As a professor, Sheats said that watching students grow and gain confidence when they see that anything is possible is empowering. And for Schilling, who has transcended his borders, this is especially true. Sheats noted Schilling’s multifaceted story as one that students will appreciate and identify with.

“He’s so dynamic, and he’s a great presenter which is going to be one cool thing [about his speech],” Sheats said. “I think his story will be uplifting and will resonate with other students. I think people will share his story.”

Complementing Schilling’s uplifting story are his well-developed public speaking skills, which will further help him convey his message to students come graduation day. From speaking at his high school graduation to various organizations, Schilling’s passion for spreading what needs to be heard is not forgotten. After all, he shared, his favorite place to be is speaking in front of a crowd of 2,000-3,000 people in order to convey a message that lies close to heart.

At a time when the young person’s voice has never been more critical to social and political change, Schilling’s dedication to making his voice heard is a refreshing reminder for students to follow suit and go after even the wildest of dreams.

“No dream is too big to dream, and no ambition is too big to have,” Schilling said. “We’re young, we’re the generation that is best educated in history. We’re not just interested in making money — we want to change the world.”