in this issue - georgia's own credit unionthe strong4life effort includes the largest public...

IN THIS ISSUEJANUARY // FEBRUARY // MARCH 2012

3 the word, with will

4 children’s healthcare of atlanta learn about our newest i[give] partner

6 having street cred with credit cards i[x] explains the right way to use your cards

8 the alternate route to a memorable valentine’s day we’ll show you how to do v-day on a budget

9 student loans from georgia’s own learn about our private student loans

10 coy wire i[x] interviews former atlanta falcon

12 connect with i[x] we’d love it if you’d like us

pg 8Waffles, a treasure hunt and one memorable Valentine’s Day...

[FROM THE EDITOR]

Feature Article

NAME: Coy Wire

HOMETOWN: Camp Hill, PA

NFL TEAMS: Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons

NICKNAME: Ninja Prankster

The Word, with WillWe did it! We made it through the year that was 2011. 2011 was a great year for i[x]! We got to know Jeff Dauler, Jason Derulo, Brian Jordan and the 2011 Junior Achievement Youth Entrepreneurs of the Year, Morgan, Megan, and Madison McCall. We were able to support several great foundations and organizations

such as the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta and the National Black MBA Atlanta Chapter Leaders of Tomorrow. We also had awesome times at Georgia State this past year as the Official Credit Union of Georgia State University Athletics. So with everything that happened in 2011, 2012 promises to be an even bigger year!

In this issue of Ne[x]t Magazine, we are excited to spotlight former NFL player and current Atlantan, Coy Wire. Coy played college football at Stanford University before being drafted in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. Coy last played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2010 before retiring. You’ll want to check out this interview to find out about this self-proclaimed “Ninja Prankster.”

Continuing our Money 101 series, we focus on credit cards with “Having Street Cred with Credit Cards” on page 6. In this short article, you will find a few do’s and don’ts of using a credit card and also see what contributes to good credit and bad credit. We also give you options for cheap Valentine’s dates in “The Alternative Route to a Memorable Valentine’s” on page 8.

Finally, as part of our i[give] campaign, we are highlighting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Children’s is a not-for-profit organization that is committed to enhancing the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education. It is one of the largest clinical care providers for children in the country and Georgia’s Own is proud to partner with such a great organization. Be sure to check out their story on page 4.

Happy New Year, i[x]ers!

FEEDBACK.Thanks to those of you who have sent in your comments and questions. We always want to hear back from our readers! Let us know what you think. Send your comments and questions to [email protected] and we’ll try to post it online or in our next issue.

CONNECT.Have you connected with i[x]? Be sure to check us out on Twitter (@doyouix) and Facebook (facebook.com/ixgeorgia). We are constantly posting tips and letting our community know about contests and giveaways. We also want you to be a part of the conversation, so let us know what you are thinking.

3DOYOUIX.COM JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

[GIVE BACK]

DOYOUIX.COM JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 20124

Since 1998, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has been taking care of Georgia’s children and their families. They continue to grow and excel so that you and yours can too. Here are some important facts about CHOA we would like to highlight:

i[x] Tell us a little about Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and its mission:

CHOA Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a not-for-profit organization, is committed to its mission of enhancing the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education. Managing more than half a million patient visits annually at three hospitals and 17 neighborhood locations, Children’s is one of the largest clinical care providers for children in the country. Children’s offers access to more than 30 pediatric specialties and is ranked among the top children’s hospitals by Parents Magazine and U.S. News & World Report.

i[x] When and how was Children’s founded?

CHOA In 1998, Egleston Children’s Health Care System (established 1928) and Scottish Rite Medical Center (established 1915) came together to form Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta — one of the largest pediatric systems in the country. The new system had a single priority: children and families. In 2006, Children’s assumed responsibility for the management of services at Hughes Spalding Children’s Hospital (established 1952) — growing the system to three hospitals and 17 neighborhood locations — all designed to better meet the needs of the community. With a

combined history of more than 185 years of caring for Georgia’s children, Children’s now strives more than ever to ensure all children have access to the specialized care they need.

i[x] What are the values that CHOA stands for?

CHOA We have a vision to transform pediatric healthcare and be the leading voice for the health of Georgia’s children. Our key values include:

• Integrity – Being honest, ethical and committed to all we do

• Respect – Appreciating all people, work and ideas

• Nurturing – Fostering the care, growth and development of the individual

• Excellence – Delivering the highest level of care and service

• Teamwork – Working together to achieve our goals

i[x] What is Strong4Life and what are the different types of programs Children’s offers?

CHOA Children’s developed the Strong4Life brand straight from research to meet the needs of the people of Georgia. Strong4Life is a statewide movement that helps families bring together four essential building blocks every child needs to be healthy—Eat Right, Be Active, Get Support and Have Fun—and we break those down into small, simple steps families can choose to

take in each of these focus areas. The Strong4Life effort includes the largest public awareness campaign on childhood obesity and wellness to ever hit Georgia, along with programs, partnerships and clinical intervention to help and

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[GIVE BACK]


support children when and where they need it. Various programs are offered for families in need of specialized care, such as Camp Strong4Life and the Health4Life Clinic that provide families with the tools to make crucial lifestyle changes. Programs have also been designed for early childcare centers and schools to join the fight against childhood obesity by helping give youth a foundation for lifelong healthy habits. Finally, a toolkit and training program has been designed to help healthcare providers initiate conversations with patients and families about BMI (body mass index) measurement, nutrition and physical activity.

i[x] What is the biggest health issue concerning teens in Georgia?

CHOA Nearly 40% of Georgia’s children are overweight or obese, which means nearly 1 million youth in our state are facing a medical crisis. Children’s sees it in our hospitals every day: children who are overweight are now suffering from diseases once seen only in adults such as heart disease, hypertension, liver and kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. Due to this increase in negative health consequences, it is estimated that the current generation may be on track to have a shorter lifespan than their parents – we cannot allow this to happen.

i[x] What factors contribute to this problem?

CHOA This crisis did not happen overnight; it is a result of years of poor diet and decreasing physical activity among Georgia’s youth. The deck is stacked against our children today. They are bombarded with fast food, computers, TV, video games, junk food and splashy advertising for unhealthy behaviors. Not to mention, there are fewer sidewalks and safe, clean places in our communities for youth to play.

i[x] What steps is CHOA taking to solve this growing epidemic?

CHOA Over the past year, Children’s has developed and implemented a multi-year strategy to get Georgia out of the top 10 list of worst states for childhood obesity by reducing BMI. We set a list of short-term, mid-term and long-term goals, with our ultimate goal being to change the lives of all 2.7 million children in Georgia and be known as a national model for improving childhood health. We’re tackling this issue through Strong4Life, our statewide movement consisting of public awareness, scalable programs, partnerships and clinical intervention.

i[x] Are there events around the Atlanta community benefiting CHOA?

CHOA Fundraising events are held throughout the year to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Opportunities to support Children’s in December include the Macy’s Pink Pig at Lenox Square, the Children’s Christmas Parade, Children’s Holiday Cards and the HBCU All-Star Bowl. You can also help by hosting your own event, volunteering, corporate sponsorships and in-kind donations. Visit www.choa.org/events for a complete list.

i[x] How can our members donate or get involved with CHOA?

CHOA More information regarding volunteer and giving opportunities is available on our web site, www.choa.org/give.

“Nearly 40% of Georgia’s kids are overweight or obese, which means nearly 1 million kids in our state are facing a medical crisis.”

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Key Values Include: Integrity, Respect, Nurturing, Excellence, & Teamwork

Having Street Cred with Credit Cards

[MONEY MANAGEMENT]

6 DOYOUIX.COM JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

Are Credit Cards Good Or Bad? Well, that all depends on how or why

you use them. Credit cards can be good for building your credit score, but only if

you use them wisely and pay them off on-time. With a few rules and regulations,

along with some self restraint and responsibility, you can make credit cards work

for you. HOW YOU ASK? First decide if you are making a wise purchase,

then decide which payment method makes the most sense for you:

cash, credit, debit, check, etc. Avoid opening several credit cards at one

time because this can cause your credit score to fall. Also make sure

to review your statement every month to avoid fraudulent charges. By

following a few simple guidelines outlined here, you can decide when

and how to use a credit card. With a little finesse and careful attention

you will be on your way to responsible credit card use.

Good Cred• Building your credit score

• Online purchases

• Purchases over the phone

• To pay deposits

• Reserve hotel, rentals, etc.

• Protection in case card

is lost or stollen

• Ease in returning items

Bad Cred• Impulse buys

• Items you can’t afford

• Allowing friends to use

• When you have no income

• On major purchases

I Don’t Have A Job

I’m A Shopaholic

I’m An Impulse Buyer

I’m Not Responsible

Credit Card = Free Money

Mmmmmmm Plastic

Ready for A Credit Card?TAKE THIS TEST

If You Checked One or More Boxes You Are Not Ready, Sorry.

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[ENTERTAINMENT]


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[ JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF GEORGIA]


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i[x] While at Stanford, you started off as a running back then ended up your career as linebacker. Can you tell us what it was like to be the starting running back one year and the next year you’re asked to move to an entirely different position? Was it

difficult to transition and how did you feel about being asked to switch positions?

CW The only constant in life is change, so we need to be like a chameleon and adapt to any circumstance. Through every transitional period in my life, I’ve tried to maintain an open mind and go with the flow. To resist change is destructive.

i[x] After your senior year at Stanford, you were drafted in the 3rd round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. Tell us what the feeling was like when you heard your name get called out at the draft.

CW It was literally a dream come true...a dream I had been dreaming since I was 7 years old. Surreal...One of my most

precious memories is running through the tunnel on opening day my rookie year. I had never been to an NFL game, so the first one I saw in person was one in which I was playing!

i[x] Before joining the Falcons in 2008, you had to overcome a career-threatening neck injury you suffered with the Bills. Can you talk a little about overcoming that adversity and going on to continue your NFL career?

CW That injury not only gave me a titanium plate and four screws in my neck, it gave me a valuable life lesson: We are all more powerful than we know. If you face adversity with the right state of mind, you will become a victor through that situation and not a victim. They say that the strongest steel

In this issue of Ne[x]t Magazine, we sit down with Coy Wire. The former Stanford Cardinal and NFL pro talks about his football career, being a leader and overcoming obstacles. i[x] In high school, you were an excellent student and a great two sport athlete playing both football and wrestling and ended up going to college at Stanford, one of the top academic institutions in the country. Can you tell us how you were able to balance time between participating in sports in high school and college while also maintaining good grades?

CW The immature mind hops from one thing to another. The ability to be completely focused on the task at hand has been one of my greatest traits. When I do something, “all or nothing” is usually my method. Focus is key, Daniel-San *Mr. Miyagi voice*

i[x] Can you tell us what lead you to your decision to move all the way across the country from PA to Cal to play college football at Stanford?

CW Education. My main aim was to play pro football, but I knew that I was only one injury away from having that dream shattered. I knew that whenever my playing days were over, more than the trophies, championships and accolades, the diploma that I would hold in my hand would be my most prized possession. I’m a nerdy jock.


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[SPORTS]

is burned in the hottest coals. We will all be put through the fire, and at some point, we will all get burned. It may burn badly too! But like that steel, we will be refined, strengthened, and hardened because of the experience. We need to be thankful for our struggles because they make us unique...there’s no one in the world like you.

i[x] As a member of the Falcons, you were named special teams captain in 2008. Tell us what it was like being a leader on an NFL team and any advice you may have about being a leader.

CW I wasn’t a leader in the NFL for 9 years because I was the biggest, fastest, strongest or the superstar player. I did so by being a superstar teammate, friend and example. There are three musts for one to be a RESPECTED leader: 1. Be the hardest worker you know 2. Have integrity 3. Demonstrate good morals. If you have these traits, people will respect and follow you whether you think you’re a leader or not.

i[x] On your website, coywire.com, you are proclaimed as a “Ninja Prankster” and have videos of you pranking teammates. Tell us a little about “Pranks with a Purpose” and why you enjoy pranks.

CW I’ve always been a bit of a “Ninja Prankster.” I love to smile and laugh with people, so naturally I

have a plethora of masks with which to scare my friends and family. I started capturing my pranks on video so that I could enjoy them later in life, but then I realized that everyone could enjoy them now. So, I decided to gather sponsors who would donate to the charity of my “victims’” choice


every time the prank was viewed on YouTube. “Pranks with a Purpose” was born. What’s that behind you?

i[x] What is your best prank story?

CW Ha ha! The best one has always been the last one! You can see some of the videos on my website, so you tell me which one is best!

i[x] Now that you aren’t playing football, what fills up your time?

CW I decided to write a book. Then, I wrote the book. It’s called “Change Your Mind: 10 Methods to Achieve Your Wildest Dreams.” Along with writing, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed doing inspirational speaking and doing 1-on-1 sessions with my MindTraining clients...Think: Jedi mind training with a twist.

i[x] i[x] is a program designed to teach Gen Y about being financially responsible. Why do you feel it’s important for our readers to make smart financial decisions? Any advice or financial habits you’d like to share?

CW One thing that’s always stuck with me when it comes to money: I’m not concerned about the return ON my money, I’m concerned about the return OF my money.

i[x] One pillar of the i[x] mission is to give back to the local community. Are there any charities or organizations you are involved with?

CW Aside from helping various charities through Pranks with a Purpose, I have always had an affinity for Make A Wish.

in this issue - georgia's own credit unionthe strong4life effort includes the largest public...

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