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There are two things that light a fire in Dillon Fliehler: empathy and strategy. He's found these skills, and a career path where he can utilize them, during the last four years at Minnesota State Moorhead.

"During my time at ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø I've been able to learn and embrace who I am," he says.

Dillon is majoring in business administration with an emphasis in international business. He's made the most of his time at Moorhead, participating in the Honors program and Jazz Ensemble, winning DECA awards at the state and national level, being a Resident Assistant, and now, speaking to his graduating class at fall commencement.

When searching for colleges, Dillon was looking for a music program, a solid business major, and a campus with a small-town feel. He found it all during his first campus visit.

 "ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø was the first college I toured, and it set the bar," he says. "Every other college I went to just missed the mark for me, and I felt like I should be here." 

In his first year on campus, he met professors that pushed him outside of his comfort zone and encouraged him to get involved. Business professor Ralph Mehnert-Meland had an immediate impact on Dillon. "He was one of the original people who saw my potential and pushed me to succeed," he says.

One of the things Ralph encouraged was joining DECA, an organization for students interested in careers in marketing, finance, and other business-related fields. DECA hosts competitive events at the state and national level that challenge students with impromptu problem solving and critical thinking.

"I was very shy and introverted, but as I practiced, I realized this is something I really enjoy doing," he says.

Dillon not only won awards at both state and national competitions but gained experience that relates to his studies.

 "DECA goes hand in hand with the classes I'm taking," he says. "What I learn in either is directly applicable to the other." 

Another way Dillon augmented his studies was with a trip to Germany his junior year. He took a class that focused on European business, which included a two-week trip exploring cities like Munich and Berlin. While there, he was able to tour company offices, like BMW's headquarters, and fully immerse himself in their culture, which he grew to appreciate.

"I really like Germany because of how efficient they are. It made the logical side of my brain very happy," he says.

This trip not only impacted his learning, but his confidence in where he belongs.

"That trip sealed international business for me and showed me that it's what I want to do," he says.

International business reflects Dillon's love for cultures and diverse groups. At commencement, he will share his knowledge and experience of different cultures, applying it to his class in an appeal for unity.

"Differences are who we are. Flaws are who we are, but we're all human and in this together," he says.

Dillon will continue his education at Moorhead in the spring by pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree.