But not Bernie Herberholt.

The University of Washington student is tall enough. In fact he's been growing at an alarming rate.

Bernie grew 10 inches from freshman year in high school to his senior year. As a senior he was 6 feet, 6 inches.

A now, a year and a half later?

"I'm 6' 8" and 255 pounds," says Bernie.

All because of a tumor in his pituitary gland that's producing too many growth hormones. The condition is known as acromegaly, and if untreated, it can lead to heart failure, muscle weakness, joint pain, osteoporisis, and diabetes.

Bernie and his family believe they caught it in time. The 19 year old, who's 16-year-old younger brother is just 5 feet 9 inches, is getting the tumor removed at Harborview Medical Center.

"Dr. Winn estimates that acromegaly has been in my system six years, that would probably explain it," says Bernie.

With the benign tumor removed, Bernie can expect his life to get back to normal.

"I wonder if your appetite will change?" Cathy Murray, Bernie's mother, jokes. "If you don't have all those growth hormones saying 'Eat. Eat more food.' "

Bernie knows his life will change, for the better, once he stops growing.

For more information about Bernie's condition, acromegaly, you can go to Harborview.org and click on Neurosciences.