By: Bu'Ji Magazine

Instead of waiting around for someone else to make his dreams a reality, Edward Griffin, CEO of HIP HOP U-C-IT, took matters into his own hands. A native of Chicago and graduate of the University of Wisconsin Parkside, Edward is what you consider God's gift to all mankind. Through multiple endeavors, Edward affords young people work opportunities in an economy where jobs are difficult to come by, raises AIDS awareness, and donates funds to various non-profit organizations. His work within in the community serves as a testimony that merely creating success for his own life is not his agenda. Edward knows that if he starts down a path and stays consistent in his pursuit where hard work and determination can make dreams come true, he can and will lead a path that others are sure to follow.

Bu'Ji Magazine: How would you define self-determination?

Edward Griffin: The best way I can define self-determination is not allowing anyone to define my success. I'm a firm believer that you should never allow a person's definition of success define success for you. I believe in working hard and pushing myself to the limit. I try to keep in my mind that in order for me to become and stay successful, I can't allow anyone to out work me.

Bu'Ji Magazine: Describe a time when you had to initiate and take action.

Edward Griffin: One example is when I decided to start my print magazine. I was looking for companies to publish my magazine because I figured it would be easier. I had no luck in my search so I took a page out of Jay-Z's book (one of my favorite entrepreneurs). When I couldn't get anyone to publish my magazine I started my own publishing company, HHUCIT Publishing. Now we are five issues in and my magazine is self-published and I thank God because that ended up being the best way to go.

Bu'Ji Magazine: Setting goals is difficult and accomplishing them is even more difficult. How have you managed to do both?

Edward Griffin: That's a great question! I look at it a bit different, I believe setting goals and accomplishing them is the easy part. Think about it, as a child [our] main goal is usually to go to high school and graduate [from] college. That's a goal that's already set and it's very easy to accomplish when you put your mind to it. I'm a strong believer in dreaming. I believe many people go wrong [by] not dreaming. We get caught up in setting the goals that everyone wants for us and we forget to dream. So, the difficult thing is to set goals and dreams because people are always afraid to dream.

Bu'Ji Magazine: How do you stay focused and fearless in a world where misery loves company?

Edward Griffin: I focus on the people around me and myself; I surround myself with positive people. I love to inspire our youth and I know that they are watching me so when I decide to do something they are whom I have in mind. I have many mentees on many levels of their careers…As I mentioned my dreams are important to me so in order for me to inspire our youth I have to stay focused and steadfast on my dreams because my impact on our youth is pending my success no matter what level that is.

Bu'Ji Magazine: How would you recommend others develop a determined attitude?

Edward Griffin: To develop a determined attitude I would suggest to always be open minded and be willing to learn. I don't care how much you know, always be a student of your craft. If you are ALWAYS the smartest and most successful in your circle, there is something wrong with that because there is no way you can grow. Surround yourself with people more successful than you and that know more than you so you can grow as [an] individual. I'm nowhere near where I want to be and I have so much to learn, but I will continue to surround myself with other driven, determined and like-minded people. You should do the same!

For more information on Edward Griffin, visit his website, follow him on Twitter and/or visit his Facebook.

Website: www.hiphopucit.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/hiphopucit
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hiphopucit

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