Welcome to the GDT Employee Spotlight. Each month we will select a GDT Employee that stands out amongst their peers and ask them a few fun questions so our readers can learn more about the individuals that make up our incredible team. This month, GDT Marketing Specialist, Marissa Gaudet, interviewed Patrick Patterson, Senior Desktop Support Technician.
Marissa: Hi, Patrick! Thanks for taking the time to meet with us so we can get to know you better. The first question we’d like to ask you is how long you have been with GDT, and what does your role entail?
Patrick: Thanks for having me! I have been the GDT for one year and seven months. I support all corporate GDT employees with their day-to-day IT needs, from creating new user accounts and onboarding new employees to offboarding employees when they decide to move on from GDT and anything in-between.
Marissa: What would you say is your favorite part about your job?
Patrick: I enjoy engaging with my fellow employees and helping them succeed at GDT.
Marissa: It’s awesome you can help so many of your peers. The next question is, before starting at GDT, what was your most unusual or interesting job ever?
Patrick: I worked for the Dallas Sheriff in several different roles and sections. One interesting role was being a part of a small team that handled fingerprinting Identification. I was certified through the FBI to read, compare, identify, and testify in court if necessary.
Marissa: Wow! That’s amazing! Who knew we had a real detective amongst us? What would it be if you could choose anything for a job or career?
Patrick: I would be a traveling photographer working with different magazines such as National Geographic and work on making my own photograph coffee table book.
Marissa: Okay, to dig a little deeper, what’s a fun fact about you that most people may not know?
Patrick: I have traveled to 35 states and 15 different countries. I have also lived abroad in Australia and Hungary.
Marissa: Where would you say is your favorite place to be or travel to?
Patrick: I would say that my favorite place to travel is Europe. I enjoy train travel, where you can be in multiple countries within hours. Living in Budapest was a prime location to be able to do this.
Marissa: That sounds like a one-of-a-kind experience. Among all of your travels, have you picked up a personal motto or mantra that you live by?
Patrick: To love one another as God loves me.
Marissa: What piece of advice would you give the younger you?
Patrick: Live abroad. Travel the world as often as possible and get to know other people’s cultures, customs, languages, and lifestyles. Learn as many languages as you can as early as you can.
Marissa: That is good advice. Ok, next we want to know is if you could meet anyone on Earth, past or present, who would it be?
Patrick: My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ while he was on earth.
Marissa: And last but not least! Is there anything you are currently loving and want to share? This can be a podcast, book, tv show, music, activity, or whatever you want!
Patrick: Since July 2022, I have been working with multiple friends and organizations, giving humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine during the attack on their country. I delivered food and supplies to 3 different locations in Ukraine last July. I hope to return back to do the same this year.
Marissa: That is absolutely amazing. You have such a big heart. Thank you for letting us get to know you better, Patrick!
We hope you enjoyed this month’s spotlight! Come back each month to learn more about another amazing member of our GDT team. See you next month!
*Authenticity and diversity matter at GDT! Opinions shared in the Employee Spotlight allow you to get to know your incredible team members and are not intended to reflect the views of GDT.
