Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1522402
r e d f c u.o r g | 15 M E M B E R S H I P When your business or organization becomes a Redstone Membership Partner, your employees and members are eligible to join Redstone. Email bd@redfcu.org to find out about the benefits of partnering with Redstone. If you would like to appear in the Member's Moment column, just send your name and an interesting tidbit about yourself to aspire@redfcu.org. When Darrick was a freshman, his teacher suggested he apply for a position as a student teller at the high school's credit union branch, and he thought, "No way, I'll never get selected to do that." Darrick 's home life was unstable. He admits that he was in and out of trouble. He was sent to an alternative school for a while. Once he returned to Decatur High School, he applied through that same teacher to work in the student-run branch. He was selected! Redstone's Schools Program now operates in eight high schools and three colleges and is intended to provide student workers with real-life experience, improve their financial literacy, and pay them during training. Each school chooses their own branch staff. "I was never exposed to financial education or any kind of banking or even how to handle money," Darrick said while discussing his appreciation for being a part of the program. "It's a great class and a wonderful experience, and I've learned a lot." Now, he teaches his fellow students and the adults in his life. "I tell students that cash is king. I tell people that they need to save their money for an emergency. But I'm not that great at taking my own advice sometimes." DARRICK RAMSEY Being selected to work at the Redstone branch was a boost to Darrick 's confidence, and he later applied to be a part of Decatur Morgan CEO, an entrepreneurship class for senior high school students in Morgan County. In the program, students are required to start their own business – with help from their instructors and guest entrepreneurs, who provide mentoring and advice. Darrick says his business, Peer Pressure, a pressure washing and car detailing business, has really taken off. After graduating in May, Darrick plans to attend Calhoun Community College. "I want to continue building my business, grow some equity, and pass it on to my nephews." Darrick knows he has come a long way and wishes he could go back and tell his younger self a few things. "Don't get caught up in the emotions. Stay in the moment and stay focused. Figure out who you want to be. Don't fall in love with it; fall in love with the process of becoming it."