"The Ellen DeGeneres Show" has been airing since 2003. She has reached to 4.4 million viewers and has impacted many people's lives. Ellen DeGeneres has officially surpassed her 2,000th episode. Over the years, Ellen DeGeneres has had some pretty amazing people on her show. I wanted to take some time to reflect on three people who have appeared on her show and how Ellen DeGeneres demonstrated her kindness to these wonderful people.
1. Sarah Hoidahl
Many people might remember the wonderful Sarah Hoidahl. She was a waitress at Ruby Tuesday. She went to workon a normal day in 2013. She waited on two female national guards. The ladies had said that they wanted something light and not expensive because they were not getting paid because of the government shutdown. Sarah was a single mother, and her only income was waitressing, but she felt that she should help these women because they do so much for our country. So she decided to pay for their meal. Being a single mother is not easy and is expensive. She said she walked home with only $8 after work that day. That is not even enough to pay for her gas to get to work. Sarah was selfless and still decided to put others first, even if she was struggling. We fail to see that in a lot in people today. Ellen DeGeneres was sure to pay her back, give her a TV, a $10,000 check,and a new red vehicle. Sarah did not have to give up $30 to pay for someone else's meal, and she did not expect anything in return. Sarah Hoidahl is an example of someone that everyone should admire.
2. Nicole Bollerman
Bollerman is a third grade teacher from Boston, Massachusetts. She won $150,000 from entering a contest for Capital One on Facebook. It entailed making a "wish for others," and she wished that all her students could go home with a book over winter break. She received a message that she had won, but what she did with the $150,000 is amazing. Instead of using it pay off college debt or pay bills, she donated it to the school. She stated that many children in her school are poor or even homeless. Then, she talked about a little boy in her class. He always dozed off and liked to watch birds, so she got him a bird watching book. The next day his grandmother called her and thanked her because it was the only gift he would be receiving for Christmas. When she heard this, Nicole went to Target and bought him and his sister Christmas gifts. Ellen was inspired by Nicole and how much love she has for her students. Target heard about this story and donated book bags with school supplies and a $100 gift card to every student. Then, Target donated $500 gift cards to every teacher because teachers spend so much of their own money in the classroom. Last, Ellen donated a tank of skittles (Nicole loves skittles) and $25,000 to her. Nicole is trying to change the lives of her students, and Ellen wanted to make sure to change her life too.
3. Braylon Beam
Braylon was 6-years-old when he appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." He discovered that he had brain cancer after his teacher showed concern for his eyesight. His parents thought he needed glasses, but it was much more than that. He got onto "The Ellen Degeneres" show after a video of him dancing went viral. Even on the show, you could tell he was filled with happiness and a positive attitude. When he was on the show, he was wearing a Carolina Panthers jersey. It was his favorite team, and he said that his dream was to coach for them. The head coach appeared on the screen and invited him to be the ceremonial drummer before their next big game. Then, Braylon got a box filled with Carolina Panthers gear and had a helmet signed by his favorite player, Cam Newton. Finally, Ellen brought up that Braylon's mother had just been in a car accident when trying to swerve for a deer. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the car had a lot of damage. Ellen brought out a brand-new car for the family because she wanted them to not have to worry about paying and fixing their car. Ellen also had a check for $10,000 for the family to help with expenses. The Beam family had had a few traumatic year with battling cancer and towing their vehicle. They still had high spirits and Ellen was able to give them some positivity in their life.
Ellen DeGeneres is the definition of what is right in the world. She is continually showing the world amazing people and spreading love and kindness. She lets the world see all the good things that are going on, instead of dwelling on the bad things that the media focuses on. So, thank you, Ellen, for showing us that there is still good in the world and brightening people's week for the past 12 years.
