1.Who is Rose Patton-James?
I am a proud Veteran of the United States Army, an AAU Basketball coach and mentor. Most important I am a daughter, a sister, a mother, a grandmother, a friend and a Christian. My purpose is to have a positive impact on people that I meet and leave behind a lasting legacy. I believe laughter and love are the best medicine. Laughter will brighten up someone's day, and loving someone shows your ability to feel, and I believe everyone needs to be loved to live a healthy life. I am a person that has the ability to laugh and love unconditionally in the most difficult times, and I believe ability is the key to finding joy to get you through every obstacle in life. I was born into this world with nothing, and I want to leave behind something positive in my lifetime. My favorite scripture says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.(John 3:16) Having the ability to love and give of yourself to others can rejuvenate and restore the hope of life for others. I am a lover to some, a giver to others, and the laughter for most.
2.What brought you to the Y?
I started working for the Y at the outdoor pools through a seasonal position for the summer.
3.What is your current role at the Y?
Currently, I work part-time at the Welcome Center as a part of the Welcome Center Staff. A day in my role consists of connecting with every person that walks through our front doors. Whether they are tall, short, fat, skinny, black or white, my priority is to make sure that everyone who walks into our facility feels like they are a welcomed and that they are a part of our YMCA family.
4.What do you enjoy the most at the Y?
I love my job because everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to the mission. I love that our Y is very diverse and focused on truly helping others. Most importantly, I love the great group of people that I am fortunate to work with every day.
5.When you are not working at the Y, what are you doing?
I am usually coaching basketball or running a semi pro football team
6. What has the current pandemic taught you about yourself?
I can overcome any situation or fears just by being determined and believing in God and then myself. The scripture that I have recited on a daily basis during this difficulty time has been, John 6:47 that says:“He who believes in me shall have everlasting life.”