This next story is proof that if there's
something you want to do in life,
it's never too late to do it.
After sending their seven kids to college,
Carl and Melody Johnson were inspired to go back to school
and finally get a degree of their own.
Their youngest son, Ryan, tweeted a photo of them
on graduation day last month, and it instantly went viral.
From McCall Creek, Mississippi, please
welcome the Johnson family.
We're just hanging out.
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
This time you're on TV.
Right.
Wait, first of all, congratulations.
Thank you.
What an incredible story.
It received a lot of attention.
Were you surprised to hear from The Ellen Show?
We were definitely surprised.
I couldn't believe it was actually happening.
You know, we're actually going to be on The Ellen Show?
The Ellen Show.
Then when they told us you was going to host the show--
It's better.
Better, right?
I don't know about better.
It's good.
I'm kidding.
Can we call you Jack?
Why not?
It's over anyway.
That's all I know, Jack.
So let's talk about the photo.
Ryan, why post to Twitter?
What made you want to post to Twitter?
Well, besides the fact that we look
really great in that photo--
I'll say, yeah.
It was just a really wonderful moment for my family.
I mean, we were so proud of them.
I wanted the whole world to see how the hardest working
people I know actually went back and got their degree.
I'm so proud of them.
I love that.
Such sweet little guy.
I mean, it's so cool.
And what did you think of the response?
Well, I don't have a Twitter account.
So when he told me it went viral, I was like, let me see.
Let's see what's going on here.
But when I actually saw it though,
I was reading what people were saying
that I was inspiring them--
because we have seven kids.
Ryan is the youngest.
And I decided to go back to better myself
and to do better in life.
And people were saying, well if she can do it, I can do it.
Anybody else can do it.
I love that.
Somebody with seven kids.
Anybody can do it.
Anybody.
You know what, I always say that too.
Like, you know, I joke, but I'm like, if this idiot can figure
out how to do it and then get a career in this business,
anybody can.
But it's true, you just got to apply yourself.
But I love--
I also come from a huge family, five kids.
Single mom raised all five of us, different story.
But I can relate to the hecticness of the household,
I'm sure.
How did you put everybody through school?
Wow, now that's a big question.
It was plenty work.
I mean, it was work.
I would work two jobs, you know.
I would work four.
Oh my God.
She always had to outdo me, you know.
Always, you know.
But we did what it took.
You know, we drained our savings.
We borrowed money.
We just worked jobs.
Whatever it took.
Kids are needy, you know.
They're very needy.
It turns out, yeah.
Even we they go to college, they still need gas money.
Even when they get married too.
So tell me what your degrees are in
and what you plan on doing with them.
My degree is in social work.
I'm a future social worker.
I already have three jobs--
God bless you.
Right.
Thank you.
I have three job opportunities already.
And I will be making my decision in the next couple of weeks.
I mean, I want to give back.
Yeah, yeah it's amazing.
Yeah, and I've always wanted to--
my dream job is to be a special education teacher.
And I just--
I will be there.
She has a heart if gold.
I love kids.
I love that you love kids.
I love you guys.
This is such an awesome story.
So I heard you like the games on the show.
I do love them.
Aren't they fun?
They make me emotional, yeah.
The games are great.
The games are so fun.
Well, we're going to play a little game when we come back.
You open to that?
Yes!
Yeah, yeah.
So we'll be right back [INAUDIBLE]..
We're back with the Johnson family.
Your three daughters are in the audience.
Diandra, you have something to say, right?
Yes, hey mom.
Hi dad.
Hey Sean.
Hey.
I just wanted to say that I am so proud-- we are all
so proud of my mom and my dad.
You know, I know Ryan is up there,
but like they said, they have six other children.
We're so proud of you.
They picked the perfect jobs.
My dad is going to be a great social worker.
My mom is going to be an awesome special ed teacher.
And we just love them and are so proud of them.
Thank you.
I love that.
Aren't you like, why did Ryan get up there?
Now, here's what we're going to do,
Green Dot Bank wants to help you save for the future.
So they want to give you a graduation gift.
We're going to play a special version of Three Card Monte.
Here's how it works.
There are three debit cards on the screen in front of you.
And each has a different prize to win-- a kitchen set, a trip
to Mexico, or a mystery prize.
So when I say go, we're going to flip the cards over and mix
them up.
Then you get to pick one card to flip back over.
And that is what you will win.
You only get one pick, so try to keep your eye
on the debit card you want.
Ready?
Go.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
OK, what's the problem?
What's the problem?
We're supposed to [INAUDIBLE]?
That's right.
Do you want to pick one, two, or three?
[LAUGHTER]
Let's go with one.
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
I say two.
I'm thinking about one.
I was thinking three.
[INAUDIBLE] going to be the same thing.
[INAUDIBLE] say three.
Three.
Three, they picked three.
I'll take her.
Right, we'll take her.
You guys like to cook?
I do.
I have to.
I cook a little bit too.
You cook a little bit too.
OK, you know what, since Ellen isn't here today,
I'm in charge.
I'm going to let you pick one more debit card.
[CHEERING]
Let's go with one.
Go with one?
OK.
Two?
Go with one.
[INAUDIBLE] said one.
One is good.
One?
He wanted one, so we'll go with one.
OK, let's show them one.
Yes!
Let's go.
Y'all don't know what it is though.
It don't matter.
It don't matter what it is.
You have no idea what it is.
That's what I was saying.
It doesn't matter.
Pick a prize.
But I bet you kind of want to know what it is.
Yeah.
[INAUDIBLE] It would be nice.
Let's see what it is.
[CHEERING]
I told you!
[INAUDIBLE]
I want to thank Matt Bomer and Ellen for letting me host.
As she always says, be kind to one another.
Bye guys.