Thoughts from Patti

By Patti Ross |  I am about to leave on my first trip to Africa on October 26^th and for those of you who have traveled extensively, my thoughts will probably resonate with you.  For those who have yet to travel outside of the U.S. specifically, here is what has been on my mind.

I am traveling for one week in Malawi with a friend who is writing a blog for Heifer International. Check it out – http://heifer12x12.com/. When I traveled in Europe during college, my diary read like a travelogue: 10 AM at the Notre Dame, 11 at the Eiffel Tower and so on.  Today, some 47 years later, I’m nursing a bit of hesitation, surrounded by excitement. Three of the most meaningful times of my life have been when I was alone, and though I will only be alone for one day on this trip, I am eager to embrace it.  I expect to encounter dramatic contrasts, for after engaging directly with the people in Malawi, I will spend a week in South Africa as a ‘fancy’ tourist.  I’ll share more via QUEST as the trip unfolds.

Next, I want to share with you an article posted on my Emotional Intelligence LinkedIn group.  This content can be applied broadly: from negotiating with your children (older Alumni Scholars), to negotiating with your professors (younger Alumni) and for many instances in between.  I’ve even taken the liberty of underlying a few salient thoughts for those of you who don’t care to read the entire piece. Read “What I Learned about Negotiation”.  Let me know your thoughts.

Regards to all,

Patti

Patti Ross is the Vice President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Patti joined the Scholars Foundation in 1994, after fifteen years in education. Ms. Ross graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a B.A. in Art History and completed a Masters in Education at Georgia State University. In the past few years, Patti has spent considerable time learning how emotional intelligence impacts one’s success in college and the world of work. Patti and her husband, Don, spend as much time as possible with their three combined children, two of their spouses and five grandchildren.