Monique Proves Size Isn't Everything

Though She's Only Two Feet Tall, North Carolina College Student Is Proving She Has No Limits

(CBS)  In the lower left-hand corner of an accounting class at North Carolina A&T University sits one of the country’s most "non-traditional" students: a 21-year-old junior named Monique Johnson.

Monique is just two feet tall and change, but as Steve Hartman reports in "Assignment America," her dreams are gargantuan.

"When I have my heart set on something, then I'm going to do it," she says.

"She just kept saying 'I can do it,'" says Monique's mom, Angela. "And so she did it. Boy, did she do it."

To fully appreciate what Monique has done and what else she plans to do, you need a little background.

Monique was born with diastrophic dysplasia dwarfism. It's one of the rarest, tiniest forms of dwarfism. And yet it was the smallest of her problems. She also had scoliosis so bad that the doctors thought her spine would actually squash her lungs.

"Every time I go to the doctor they want me to yell," she said, "I guess to see if my lungs work."

But from the beginning, Monique had spirit. She ended up graduating from high school with a 4.0 average.

"And when they called her name, the whole school did a standing ovation for her," Angela says.

This could have easily been her crowning achievement. But Monique insisted on going to college.

When Monique first came to A&T, Angela had no idea how her daughter would survive. It's one thing to do the work, but it's another thing to load it into your backpack. And yet, she manages, thanks to the kindness of strangers and her own artistic abilities.

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Click here to find out how you can help Monique Johnson.
Life with Monique.com

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Monique sells her paintings to help pay for a part-time aide.

Her next goal is to attend law school. After that, she wants to become a judge.

Pretty much everyone who knows Monique says it's the perfect job for her - everyone but her mother.

"I said of all things, will her wheelchair even fit up there?”

"You're worrying about things you shouldn't worry about now," says Hartman.

But this mom says she can't help it.

[melmyrie]

You are a true inspiration and the personification of AGGIE PRIDE!!

[drypocket1]

How can i find out about this amazing persons art work?

I salute you for all that you have done and yet too do.

[mythoughtsr]

One must ignore the people like jboxton. People like them feed off of the misery of others and get a rise out of the attention. Ignore them, they hate it! Of course, I''m talking about it to but, oh well! On to better things...Monique for example. Makes my day to hear about her triumph over adversity. I recall the story of Joni, who was paralyzed from the neck down after a tragic diving accident. Her perseverance overcoming her disability and becoming an accomplished artist (using her mouth to paint) just goes to show that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.

We should have stories like this all day every day. The media shoves stories down our throats about people blowing up each other, people murdering each other, war, country leaders exploiting their power, famine, but we so rarely hear about all the good going on behind the scenes, the medical people saving lives, people solving crime and getting these monsters off the street, peace talks, country leaders being held accountable, the hungry being fed...The media is shameful in their attempt to shock and disgust us. We need more stories about people like Monique.

[unkie469]

Monique, congratulations. You are an admirable person.
JBoxton - I''d rather have stubby little sausage fingers that your stubby little sausage brain.
Oakishpines - What drug are you using?

[lckmstr4u]

This is the kind of story that should make the news everyday,instead of drug dealers, crimminls,and fallen sport stars, Monique I applaud you for all of your accomplishment and encourage you in all you endevoures, I also applaud her mother for not telling her what she couldn''t do.GOD protects and provides for even the weakest creatures, HE will certainly provide for and protect his people.YOU ARE OF MORE VALUE THAN MANY SPARROWS!!(MATT10;31)

[cnosler]

JBOXTON (1st comment)
Shame on you! She has been challenged with what life has given her. She is way, way beyond you.
Great job Monique-
Keep it going

[uplifted08]

Monique will provide an opportunity for everyone to buy her artwork soon. For now, send her an email at [e-mail].

[jerryr6545]

How can I view or purchase Monique''s art.
She is amazing.

[uplifted08]

Monique, you are an awesome young lady! Your story gives hope and encouragement to all. Your positive spirit and perserverance is outstanding. I can''t wait to have your artwork hanging in my home. I will check out your web page, lifewithmonique.com next week. I can''t wait to see you on Oprah and Lifetime. You are WOMAN!

[matt9605]

hi
monique web site for her paintings will be up on tuesday her web site will be www.lifewithmonique.com you can e-mail her at
[e-mail] for more info

[gee1311]

I loved Monique''s story. Monique you are a inpiration. I have so much to say but I will keep it short. I would love to buy a painting from you. and you have touched so many people tonight about your story I cant wait to until you are Judge Monique, you go girl!

[newday9]

I loved this story. You''re an incredible person. You''ve inspired me to do more. How can I buy one of your paintings?

[mcbwp]

How can I view or purchase Monique''s art.
She is an amazing girl. Love this story.

[bon105]

What an inspiration, How can I purchase one of Monique''s paintings
Bonny from Ca.

[mcbwp]

How can I view or purchase Monique''s art.
She is an amazing girl. Love this story.

[mskirtland]

I too would like to know where I can purchase a painting by Monique.

[e-mail]

Way to go, Monique!

[holidaya1]

Monique, I would love to help by purchasing a picture.

[fisher323]

Monique''s stories is very inspiring. She has so much courage. Monique has taught me that anything is possible no matter your sizes. Way to go Monique. I would like to purchase one of your paintings to help you out.

[prayinghands-2009]

What a great story. It inspired me so very much. I needed this, when we think that we are in realy bad shape all we have to do is just look around. I too will try to help her and maybe buy a painting. Thank you and I pray that you have a Blessed day.

[dasagirl]

when can we purchase painting to help?