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JULY // AUGUST // SEPTEMBER 2012

Kasim Reed Living the Dream i[x] interviews entrepreneur and Mayor of , Kasim Reed. PAGE 7

Inside: Major on Majors i[give] - Susan G. Komen The i[x] Calendar

DOYOUIX.COM JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 1 IN THIS ISSUE JULY // AUGUST // SEPTEMBER 2012

3 the word, with will an update from our editor, will.i.x. 4 major on majors land a job when you get out of college 7 kasim reed: living the dream i[x] interviews the 59th mayor of atlanta 11 i(give) - susan g. komen get involved with a great event 11 the calendar three months, nine events, tons of fun 12 connect with i(x) we’d love it if you’d like us

pg 4 unsure of which major to choose? let i[x] help you decide.

2 DOYOUIX.COM JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 [FROM THE EDITOR]

The Word, with Will

School’s been out for over Also in this issue, we speak with the current Mayor of Atlanta, a month and summer is in Kasim Reed. On page seven Mayor Reed tells us why he wanted full swing. Hopefully by to enter the political field and how he made his way to becoming now you’ve had a chance Mayor of Atlanta. He also shares with us how he started two to vacation and relax and businesses as a teenager that ultimately helped him pay for completely forget about college. school. Unfortunately, just about the time you’ve If you’re anything like me, you are always looking for something gotten into your summer fun to do. We are debuting a new feature called “The Calendar” routine, it ends and it’s this issue with some fun events you can check out. Between the time for you to head 4th of July, Dragon*Con and Music Midtown we are looking at a back to school. Don’t fret busy few months in Atlanta. however, your school years will be some of the Finally, our i[give] feature is the Georgia’s Own Credit Union times you remember most Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for a Cure team. The team has been fondly. and continues to raise money for their 60 mile walk in Atlanta on October 19-21. Be sure to check out page eleven where you’ll If you’re heading off to college in the fall or just looking for a find ways you can donate and volunteer to help find a cure to end potential major for when you head to college, this issue of breast cancer. Ne[x]t Magazine is for you. In our article “Major on Majors” on page four, we look at different enjoyable, yet practical majors Enjoy! for you to pursue. There are plenty of options out there, but the majors discussed are some of the most valuable degrees according to Forbes.

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 Feature Article think. Send your comments and questions to will@ NAME: Kasim Reed doyouix.com and we’ll try to post it online or in our HOMETOWN: Atlanta, GA next issue. AGE: 43 Years Old CONNECT. COLLEGE: Have you connected with i[x]? Be sure to check us HOBBIES: Reading and out on Twitter (@doyouix) and Facebook (facebook. spending time with family 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.

DOYOUIX.COM JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 3 With the national gross of student loan debt breaching the trillion dollar mark and interest on certain types of college loans set to double in rate this summer, it has become more important than ever to find a major that is both enjoyable and practical.

Major on Majors Prior to sinking tens of thousands of dollars While the STEM majors generally lead to the and years of academic work into any field highest salaries, there are plenty of other fields of study, it’s worth at least having an idea of that are growing rapidly and yielding many what to expect on the other side of graduation. entry-level positions. According to Careers The safest bet currently is what is known and Colleges.com, education, communications, as the STEM majors: science, technology, and the arts are all areas where recent engineering, and mathematics. Of the Forbes graduates can expect expanding opportunities. top 15 most valuable majors, five were in the Education wise, with the ever growing field of engineering (biomedical, software, population and the seemingly ever declining environmental, civil, and petroleum), five quality in school systems, the demand for were in math and science (biochemistry, competent teachers at all levels should only applied mathematics, mathematics, statistics, continue to increase. Communications and physics), and one was in technology graduates will also likely be sought after as (computer science). Additional STEM majors more companies continue to require more included in the 20 best paying college interactive content targeted at enhancing degrees of 2011 according to CBS News were the experiences of their customers and chemical, electric, and aerospace engineering, employees. The arts will similarly be utilized as well as nuclear, mechanical, and software by corporations, whether it be graphic designs engineering. However, the CBS News list of logos or music tracks for commercials. If also included some non-STEM majors, such art majors can get past the stigma of “selling- as economics (humanities) and finance out,” they will probably find themselves with (business). an array of opportunities for work.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers currently ranks accounting as the field with the most immediate job offers for college grads, and with an average starting salary of $44,000, it’s one of the more initially lucrative opportunities as well. Two slightly less but still highly viable positions listed were management trainee and sales representative.

Conversely, there are arguments to be made for the less heralded majors. Catherine Rampell of argues that the humanities, while not highly touted for their practicality at the moment, may prove

4 DOYOUIX.COM JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 [EDUCATION]

“Education, communications, and the arts are all areas where recent graduates can expect expanding opportunities.”

to be quite valuable in the near future. As according to Careers and Colleges.com. In more jobs based in mathematics and sciences addition to the healthcare field, the early are replaced by highly advanced computer childhood and special education professions programs or outsourced to are beginning to utilize more and more countries with cheaper paraprofessionals as the population continues professionals (i.e. India), jobs to increase and the demand for more adequate requiring social interaction may and qualified employees continues to rise. become higher in demand. It should be noted, however, that the college Additionally, there’s nothing experience is not an exact science that can preventing students from be broken down into an equation yielding acquiring more than one consistent, guaranteed results. Excelling in major. As many colleges any major will demonstrate to any competent require many prerequisites to employer that a student is capable of critical be taken over the first year of study thinking, meeting deadlines, and responding anyway, students can take their time deciding to instruction - skills useful in any profession. what subjects interest them sentimentally and Many graduate school programs simply which subjects interest them as a means to a require a bachelor’s degree and an adequate career. If there is no overlap, it is still possible score on a standardized exam. The major itself to acquire two degrees in four years, or one is largely irrelevant. The most important thing degree with multiple minors. The key is to a college student can do when deciding on take advantage of the maximum academic a major is to understand what is expected of workload allowed per semester. This may lead him or her throughout the coursework’s rigor, to a more intense schedule, but hopefully also and what he or she can realistically expect to a more rewarding educational experience opportunity-wise after receiving a diploma. with promising career prospects following Academic advisors are on universities’ payroll graduation. largely to help students deal with these types of decisions, and are an excellent resource for For those opposed to a four year, high intensity information and council. schedule but are still interested in a substantial payday after obtaining a degree, there are many surprisingly lucrative positions available for an associates degree. Medical records specialists, health information technicians, all types of medical assistants (dental, physician, and therapy), and registered nurses are all vocations experiencing rapid expansion

DOYOUIX.COM JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 5 THESE LOANS FEATURE: • Zero origination fees • Extremely competitive interest rates • Flexible repayment options • Undergraduate and graduate loans

A private education line of credit from Georgia’s Own is the perfect option to fill educational funding gaps that can be left behind after other sources of aid have been exhausted. Contact us to see how we can help you get the money you need for college. [FEATURE ARTICLE]

Kasim Reed Living the Dream

Kasim Reed understands leadership. After growing “Growing up in Atlanta, the spiritual up in Atlanta, he attended Westlake High School birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, I was surrounded by forceful and and later, Howard University. By the age of 18 he influential African-American politicians had already started two businesses and amazingly, who made it possible for me to imagine he was just getting started. He earned a law becoming Mayor.” degree and then pursued a career in public service, serving in the Georgia State House and Senate. In 2009, Mr. Reed became Mayor Reed after being elected as the 59th mayor of Atlanta.

DOYOUIX.COM JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 7 Kasim Reed Living the Dream

KR In order to achieve long-term financial success, our young people have to understand the importance of preparation and investment as well as the simple practice i[x] Were you involved in any programs or associations in of saving a dollar. When I was about nine or ten years high school or college that lead you into politics? old, I started a business: Kasim’s Lawn Care Service. I canvassed my southwest Atlanta neighborhood with KR I learned a great deal about leadership as an my very own business cards. Soon, I stopped mowing undergraduate member of Howard University’s Board lawns myself and delegated the work by hiring older of Trustees and I created a fundraising program that friends in the neighborhood. In turn, that allowed more has contributed more than $10 million to the school’s time to cultivate new customers and subsequently, earn endowment since its inception. I was appointed as Howard more money. If you practice smart money management University’s youngest General Trustee in June 2002, and as a youth, chances are you will carry those habits with remain a member of the Board. you into adulthood. Another powerful lesson in money management that our children should understand is how i[x] Why did you decide to enter politics? crucial living within your means and staying within your budget can be for long-term gains. This is a lesson that we KR I decided I wanted to be Mayor of the City of Atlanta must all master as people live longer and healthier lives. when I was 13 years old. When I was growing up, my father often discussed politics at the dinner table. He admired i[x] What is your biggest hope for the youth of Atlanta? Thurgood Marshall and told me how influential he was in helping Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. achieve his dreams KR We all have a fundamental obligation to make sure through legal action. Those stories inspired me so much future generations do better than we do. I work hard every that I wrote a book report about Justice Marshall and single day so that our youth have the resources they need decided I wanted to be a lawyer and have a career in public for continued success. I also want a young public-school service. boy or girl who is 13 years old right now to acquire the skills necessary to possibly become Mayor by the time he i[x] Why did you want to become Mayor of Atlanta? or she is 40, as I did. I want every child in this city to have the fundamental skills needed to pursue his or her chosen KR Growing up in Atlanta, the spiritual birthplace of career path. The long-term vitality of this city is tied to the the Civil Rights Movement, I was surrounded by forceful success of young people. and influential African-American politicians who made it possible for me to imagine becoming Mayor. I first met my mentor, Ambassador , who is also a i[x] What is the most challenging part of your job? former Mayor of Atlanta, as a teenager. We crossed paths again while I was a student trustee at Howard University KR Being Mayor is a privilege; however, it comes with serving on the board alongside him. During that time, he huge responsibility. I work on about 12-15 different major encouraged me to pursue this goal. Two decades later, projects every day that have an enormous impact on the Ambassador Young endorsed my candidacy and was with residents of Atlanta. me at my inauguration. i[x] What is the most rewarding part? i[x] As you know, i[x] promotes financial literacy to youth throughout the state of Georgia. Can you tell us why you KR I wake up every morning and feel like it is Christmas think it is important for today’s youth to practice smart Day. I love my job. It is far more rewarding than I ever money management? imagined. It’s not an easy job, but working each day to

8 DOYOUIX.COM JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 [FEATURE ARTICLE]

“In order to achieve long-term success, our young people have to understand the importance of preparation and investment Living the Dream as well as the simple practice of saving a dollar.”

make a positive difference in the lives of our residents and jewelry business. While in college, I also sold Howard- business owners is enormously satisfying. themed boxer shorts and arranged the delivery of student possessions for off-site storage over the summer. i[x] What makes Atlanta such a great city to reside? i[x] Another important piece of the i[x] program is giving KR That’s easy. I always say that Atlanta’s greatest back to the local community. Are there any charities or strength is its people. organizations you are involved with and why do you think it’s important to give back to the local community?

KR While at Howard University, I persuaded fellow students to approve a surcharge of $15 per semester to boost Howard’s endowment and decrease its reliance on federal funds. I believed that students were too comfortable with taking, and we weren’t accustomed to giving back. Throughout the years, money from the “Independence Fund” helped renovate a reading lounge, buy new equipment for the fitness center, and provide $1,000 debit cards to students who came to Howard from schools in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. This fund now holds more than $10 million. I continue to support higher education, especially at Howard University.

i[x] Did you participate in sports or extracurricular activities in high school?

i[x] i[x] not only promotes financial literacy, but also KR I played football, basketball and golf. an entrepreneurial spirit. You mentioned your lawn care business previously, but I also noticed you started a jewelry i[x] Favorite Atlanta pro sports team? business at the age of 16. Can you tell our readers a little about what it took to start this business at such a young KR It’s a tie among the Falcons, Hawks and Braves. age and the obstacles you had to overcome to make it a successful business? i[x] What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

KR With starting and running any business, you run into KR I enjoy reading, cleaning my house, and spending obstacles that you must overcome. However, I learned at time with my family and friends. an early age that in order to be successful, you must work very hard and make sacrifices. I tell young people that they i[x] Top 3 artists on your iPod? have the advantage of youthful energy and vigor and that they should work hard now because they will never have KR Michael Jackson, Jay-Z and Journey. the same kind of physical capacity they have right now again.

I actually paid for a substantial portion of my education at Howard University with the profits from that 14-karat-gold

DOYOUIX.COM JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 9 TAKE HOLD OF YOUR FUTURE.

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To learn more about JA Fellows and how you can apply visit, JA Fellows www.georgia.ja.org [GIVE BACK] Susan G. Komen i[give] 3-Day Walk for a Cure

This quarter, i[x]ga and Georgia’s Own Credit Union are HOW TO GET INVOLVED: proud to participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk Pink Rubber Ducks – Tellers at each Georgia’s Own for a Cure in Atlanta on October 19-21. Thousands of branch will have pink rubber ducks available for a donation women and men will come together for this event, each of $5. raising money for Susan G. Komen for a Cure, and will walk 60 miles over the course of three days to show their Golf Tournament July 30th – Georgia’s Own walkers will commitment to ending breast cancer. The walk is a three be holding a golf tournament at Eagles Landing Country day journey of love, new friendships and tributes to people Club. Cost is $125 per golfer. Hole sponsors are $100 per who have been affected with breast cancer. After walking hole. Contact [email protected] for information 20 miles each day, walkers will sleep in tents before or to sign up you or your team. getting up to begin the next leg of the walk. The walk will begin with an opening ceremony on October 19th and Support the Walkers – Come out to cheer on the walkers will culminate with a closing ceremony at on while they make the trek to Turner Field. The open and October 21st. To date, 16 Georgia’s Own employees are closing ceremonies are free and open to the public. participating in the walk and are looking for help in raising To find out more information about the 3-Day walk, visit the the required minimum of $2,300 per person. website at www.the3day.org.

The i[x] Calendar JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER 4th of July Fireworks Jekyll Island Beach Festival Dragon*Con Lenox Square Mall Jekyll Island, GA Atlanta, GA July 4 August 16-18 September 1-3

National Black Arts Festival 99X Unplugged in the Park Music Midtown Centennial Olympic Park Park Tavern - Atlanta GA Piedmont Park July 13-22 August 5, 12, 19, 26 September 21-22

2012 Rock Climbing Championship Falcons vs. Bengals The Atlanta Chili Cook-Off Atlanta Rocks! , Atlanta Stone Mountain Park July 14 August 16, 2012 September 29

Looking for something fun to do this summer & fall? The team at i[x] has you covered. Here are nine awesome events that range all over Georgia. So if you find yourself bored, get outside and enjoy one of these awesome events.

DOYOUIX.COM JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 11 12 DOYOUIX.COM JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012