You may know where our Fellows live, what startup they work for or even if they’re starting their own company, but ever wonder which books or blogs they couldn’t live without? What they love most about their city? Their pro tips for being productive at work? 2014 Baltimore Fellow Merlin Patterson sits down with Team VFA to talk how to be an effective startup employee, why they love Baltimore, and life lessons they’ve learned since becoming a VFA Fellow.
Name: Merlin Patterson
College or University: University of Pennsylvania ’14
Major: Computer Science
VFA City: Baltimore
Company Name: ClassTracks
Role: Product Wizard
Describe what your company does in a tweet: Blended learning for foreign language. By using our platform, teachers can focus on communication instead of drills in their classrooms.
Best part of startup life:
The best parts of life at an early stage (5 person) startup have been being able to see different parts of the company firsthand and watch them grow. As a developer, I could have easily been pigeon-holed, but at an early-stage startup like ClassTracks, I get to help out with everything: recruitment, marketing, infrastructure, funding, etc.
One thing you’ve learned about how to be a great startup employee:
To be a great startup employee, I’ve learned that I have to be proactive. On occasion, someone will give you a specific task, but generally, you have to seek out your own work. If you want to do something different, just ask.
One tip/life hack for staying productive at work:
I stay productive at work by using a standing desk all day. I also have just started listening to film and video game scores, which were designed to help you focus on the film you’re watching or game you’re playing.
The coolest part about living in your city:
The coolest part about Baltimore has to be the harbor. Living only two blocks from the waterfront is quite relaxing. I also enjoy the free transportation via the Charm City Circulator, which includes a free ferry across the water.
Best weekend of the year in your city:
Well, I can tell you at least what my best weekend of the year was – The weekend I got a Harbor Pass and toured the American Visionary Arts Museum, the Maryland Science Center, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, the National Aquarium, and the Top of the World observation deck in two days with my girlfriend.
Someone is spending 48 hours in your city; what are the top 3 things to do during that time?
In 48 hours, you should get a Harbor Pass (which is kind of cheating as it’s 5 things in 1), check out the Baltimore Art Museum (it’s free), and go to Miss Shirley’s for a delicious brunch.
Most surprising aspect of living in a VFA city:
The most surprising aspect of living in a VFA city is the amazing network of entrepreneurs that you have access to. Since I live in Baltimore, I joined EdTech Maryland, a meetup group for all things EdTech.
Most significant life lesson you’ve learned since becoming a VFA Fellow:
The most significant life lesson I’ve learned since becoming a Fellow is that you should never be afraid to talk to another Fellow about your problems. They will be extremely supportive and they might be going through something similar.
One book or blog you think every current and future VFA Fellow should read and why:
I think every current and future Fellow should read Ryan Allis’ Life Advice slides or my notes here. Taken with a grain of salt, this set of slides contains some good ideas for setting and accomplishing goals, creating finances, and even a path to building a successful startup (It’s not technically a book or blog, but there is enough content that I think it counts).
One invaluable part of your daily routine that you’d recommend to other Fellows:
The most invaluable part of my daily routine is my use of Trello, which allows me to stay on track with my goals and projects.
Best aspect of being a VFA Fellow:
The absolute best aspect of being a VFA Fellow is the massive network of friends and family that I now have. If you’re having any troubles, there is always someone that you can turn to. And if you have any business ideas, there is always someone to co-found them with.
If you hadn’t joined VFA, you would probably be…
If I hadn’t joined VFA, I’d probably have taken a shorter fellowship with Code For America or doing a number of coding internships.