Monyque Thompson Scott

Monyque, the only child of Dorsie G. Thompson.  She was born on March 4, in Saginaw, Michigan, USA.  After her mother found out that she was pregnant with Monyque, she dropped out of college to work, to save and prepare for the birth of her child. 

Growing up in a single parent home, Monyque and her mother constantly moved.  Life was tough, but Dorsie was determined that her daughter would have the best education money could buy.  Working two, and often three jobs, was the price she would pay. Even when they were homeless for several months, Monyque's private school education was not up for debate. 

Monyque, a latch key child, was often home alone, and was therefore expected to help around the house more than other kids her own age.  In her home, they orchestrated a strict regiment that would prove to be their best kept secret.  In the mornings before school, Monyque would eat breakfast and get herself ready.  Her mother would then stop home between jobs two and three, just as Monyque was about to leave walking to school.  After school Monyque, would arrive home to find pre-started dinner with simple finishing instructions.  Her evenings were spent reading, watching TV, and playing in the house with her dog.  Shortly after her bedtime, Monyque's mom would come in and make sure she was tucked in and safe, before heading off to her overnight job.  

This regiment continued off and on throughout Monyque's childhood in one form or another.   Monyque has adopted the same type of work ethic for her own life.  It was at the age of 14 that she got her first job.  She loved the rewards of working so much, she ended up carrying two jobs for that summer, and she has been going strong ever since.  Monyque credits her success to her regimented latch key childhood.  "It build character, and gave me wisdom early.  I learned how to survive, how to work hard to accomplish my goals.  I learned from my experiences, that nothing comes easily, and you have to make sacrifices to attain total life prosperity."

Tragically, when Monyque was 16, her mother was killed by two teenage boys as they attempted to steal their car.  Monyque felt as though her life was over.  Depressed, yet willful, she moved to stay with relatives.  Working full-time on the weekends and in the summer, she was determined to continue her private school education that her mother had worked so hard to cultivate.  

After high school graduation, a benefactor approached Monyque, and offered her a full academic scholarship to either Notre Dame or Georgetown, on one condition.  She had to attend a year in a LaLumiere preparatory school.  Reluctantly, she agreed to attend the private boarding institution, located in the woods of LaPorte, Indiana, USA.  One year later she graduated and was transferred, not to Notre Dame or Georgetown, but to Saint Michael's College in Vermont.  Confused about the situation, yet eager to continue her degree she accepted the foundations offer.  After 30 months in attendance, she was notified that the foundation was in financial trouble and she would have to pay the balance due or leave. Unable to pay, she was forced to leave.  She returned home and began working in a bank to pay off her debt.  She knew that until the debt was paid off that she would be unable to finish her education, because they had placed a hold on her transcripts. 

It was during the time after she returned home, that she received an acceptance letter from Notre Dame, classes were scheduled to being in six weeks.  If she was to attend, she would have to pull together the funds to pay off the Saint Michael's debt, and have enough left over to enroll at Notre Dame. She devised a plan for the lump sum, however, there was just one problem.  She could see how she could scrape up enough to attend but she realized that she would have no money left over for spending cash or emergencies.  She was not about to let that stop her.  She asked all of her family and friends if she could have all of their recyclables.  After cashing in nearly eight hundred cans and bottles, she had earned $80, which would serve, as her emergency fund. 

She did extremely well that term, but had no source to fund the next semester.  Hoping that she would be granted a track scholarship after her first semester performance was evaluated, but she got several rude awakenings.  First, Notre Dame did not have a female track team.  Secondly, a tuition price increase was in effect; therefore, attendance was set to increase from $18,000 to $21,000 per year.  Again, Monyque would have to return home and regroup.

When she arrived home, she found that she had received two more acceptance letters from institutions in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.  She decided to, take the chance.  She packed her car with all her belongings, and headed to Atlanta, to attempt to enroll.  When she arrived, she had no idea where she would stay; her plan was to sleep in the car until she found a place to live. To add to the chaos, neither institution was able to find Monyque's financial aid records, although both had confirmed her scholarships over the telephone.  She was in Atlanta with no job, no place to live, and no school to attend.  One night, out of desperation, Monyque called a number she had found on a bulletin board looking for a roomer.  The landlord offered to meet her that same night, and accepted Monyque on the spot. 

Relieved, she decided that since she had moved to finish her degree, it would be in her best interest not to waste anymore time.  She accepted a student loan and enrolled.  After 18 months at Morris Brown, she transferred to Georgia State University.  Graduating in June, 1998, with a BS in Pre-Med Psychology and a minor in theatre.  In her spare time Monyque participated in community theatre, musical projects, and worked with wedding coordination as a hobby.  She also is graduate of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting - Atlanta campus, where she earned her broadcast certification.

In the fall of 1999, Monyque created the, I DARE YOU Christian Products company, which grew out of Monyque's spiritual growth, and ever increasing involvement in her faith.  Heavenly inspired, "I DARE YOU..." products promote the word of God and his promises.  These divinely inspired products were designed to encourage and inspire Christians in their faith, while at the same time educating the unsaved.  The vision of the "I DARE YOU" product line is to serve as a "wake-up call" to all God's people that the time is near.  The scriptural base for this can be found in Mark 1:3 (NIV), which reads, "We as Christians must prepare ye the way of the Lord."

The company sells various products via their e-commerce site.  The site serves as a public relations entity for "I DARE YOU" to connect with its retail and wholesale customers.  The company goals for the year 2008 include major distribution deals with several national Christian bookstore chains, churches, and mass retailers. 

In the Fall of 2007, Monyque married the man of her dreams, internationally acclaimed action director,R.L. Scott, in a private ceremony.  He is the writer,  director, and action choreographer of Slums 13.  The  highly anticipated action crime drama set for a 13 country theatrical release Summer 2008.  For, more information on the film go to www.myspace.com/slums13auditions.  Whether it's their critics, haters, or adoring fans... they all agree, "expect nothing but greatness from this entertainment power couple."

The moral of the story... Monyque is a perfect example that perseverance, diligence, faith and hard work are a definite recipe for success.