David Patterson
Modern History and IR
Erskine, Scotland
4th Year
David Patterson is a multifaceted man: Mermaids President, Scott Lang organizer, Charmer of Old Ladies and not-yet-admitted bibliophile. He is welcoming as ever with his big smile and bigger hair as I meet him in his Bell Street flat (the same one he once shared with former Cutie, Rob Davidson!). He tells me about his life as I gorge myself on his chocolate. Ladylike? No. Professional? No. Delicious? Yes.
David describes St Andrews as being ‘second choice but not second best’ (two chances to guess his first choice…), and he is enthusiastic about his passion for the town. As a history buff, the cobbled stones, ruins and and historical significance all have their appeal, but ultimately it is about the people. “There are so many interesting people you can meet here…and so many opportunities! You never need to be lonely” which is something David doesn’t have to worry about in his flat of five boys.
“My flat is probably my favorite part about St Andrews, it’s where I derive the most happiness. We’re a wee family, and no matter what’s going on outside, you can come home and have a good laugh. We all have separate interests too: they’re sporty, and I’m obviously not!” he says with a laugh. It’s David’s (alleged) lack of sport-prowess that lead him to acting years ago. After many of his father’s failed attempts to get him involved with various sports, they ultimately decided to go for something more align with David’s strengths: people and personality.
Theatre is now a huge part of David’s life, from PACE Youth Theater to the Mermaids, the Barron and beyond, David has a true passion for what he does– on stage and off. He was cast as the lead in Faust his first year, but had to pull out due to a hilarious and almost crippling arm injury. Unable to participate for the remainder of his first year, he bided his time and came back with a vengeance in second year. “I was on so many pain killers, I couldn’t really do anything except be in DRA and go out…which was actually brilliant, I made so many friends! When I came back in second year, I just felt like I hadn’t done anything, and I didn’t want to waste any opportunities. I auditioned for Our Town…and it relit the flame. I was in seven plays that year.” The following year he joined the committee as Treasurer, and is currently serving as the President of Mermaids. “It’s a fantastic committee, everyone is on board with professionalizing the group and making Mermaids approachable and accessible. People have this preconception of what the theater is, and the types of people who do it… but–and this is going to sound cheesy– the amount of skills you can get from it: stage presence, ability to engage speak to people confidently and just hold your own in front of an audience, they’re invaluable!” So if you’re curious about the Mermaids, David, or just want to boost your public persona, find the Mermaids on Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/in the Barron and get involved!
Mermaids doesn’t take up all of David’s time. He indulges his foodie-side with a weekly Come Dine With Me–if you’re nice to him, he might even invite you. “We are thinking about doing a new thing, where we bring a new person each week. It could be intimidating, but I think it’ll work really well!” This will be his second year helping organize the annual Scott Lang Dinner, which brings students and staff together, “we’re so lucky to have the option of developing close relationships with our professors, not every University gets that.” Last year he met Shirley Williams, noted professor and politician. One of the more unusual bullet points in his CV is his involvement in the St Andrews Community Council, “I was interested in finding out how the municipal government worked, and this is the most basic form… really it was me just being like, ‘Can I help out?… Please?” Luckily for David, he fit right in with the members. “We always joke that each of the boys in the flat has an age group they appeal to. Anyone sixty years and up love me. I’m like catnip to them… maybe it’s their ears, they can only pick up my Scottish auditory tones.” David also participated in the charity Race2’s in his first and second years, and would encourage everyone to try it. It’s actually how he met one his current flat mates, which brings us back to the arm breaking story.
“We [Pat Mathewson and he] decided to have an arm wrestle, you know ‘we’re in Bavaria, we’re men, we can do this!’ And Pat beat me hands down with the right hand. ‘No, no, no’ i thought, ‘I’m Scottish, I can do this’, so I tried with my left hand. Just as i started to take the advantage, the loudest snap you’ve ever heard, and my hand just fell on the table… you knew instantly it was gone… It looked like Harry Potter’s arm after Gilderoy Lockhart fixed it.” David insists he was never angry though. Well, maybe not never angry: “The next day around 4pm, I was lying in the hospital thinking, ‘he better f*&*ing visit me!’, then just as it was getting to half past, the door slowly opened and this really pale, white face came in, ‘dude, you alright?’ I got a drink out of it, so that’s okay!” And there, under the pale fluorescent lights, a bromance was born. And just in case you didn’t know, his attacker grew up to be the current Rector’s Assessor.
Since I’m assuming you’re all madly in love with David at this point, I can happily say he is single! Unfortunately, it was a very recent development, and he is not on the prowl just yet. He describes his last relationship, which ended mutually and agreeably, with much love, and sadness. “It’s sad that I have to face the reality that that part of my life has changed, but she’s still the best friend I have ever had.” If, in the future, you think you might be interested in applying for the above position, read the paper and brush up on some one liners. ‘Intelligence is key, and she has to make me laugh… laughter is just, everything. If someone isn’t intelligent they can’t challenge you, and that’s the whole point of a relationship, to grow together. She has to know her own mind.”
Though his life after Fife is unclear, David knows he wants an adventure. “I want to look back and know that I’ve made a difference; I’ve used my time well.”
HerCampus is so thankful for David’s time, and we wish him all the best in his endeavors this last year. And I, personally, am so thankful for his chocolate.
RAPID FIRE
Signature drink: Vodka Lemonade
Fun Fact: The arm story, I tell it to everyone. But i’ve also kept a daily diary since 2008. It’s all about this girl, and how much in love I was with her. I’ve also been going grey since I was 14, it looks like I’ve had some sort of trauma
Least Classy Moment of the year: Minesweeping in Dervish after the Ceremonial Dinner, singing ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ for 45 minutes in my black tie. I woke up with kebab sauce on my dress shirt!
Irrational fears: I have a crucifying fear of being next to cruise liners and talking on public buses. I’ll have a conversation, but it’ll be in a whisper.
Favorite restaurant: Forgans, I’ve been six or seven times! It’s reasonable and the food is so good!
Favorite place for a pint: The Central
Favorite place for drinks: The Union