Maine Teacher’s Student Loans Paid On The ‘Ellen’ Show [VIDEO]

A Sudanese refugee who teaches English in Southern Maine appeared on the 'Ellen' show this week, and received a check to pay off her student loans.

Ekhlas Ahmed came to the United States as an adolescent and told Ellen Degeneres that she learned English, partly by watching the talk show. She said she always liked the show's positive vibe. Ekhlas went on to graduate from Casco Bay High School, get a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Maine, and is working on her Master's.

Ahmed sent a letter to Ellen, letting her know how important the show had been to her, and how Ellen had influenced her. Her English class put together a calendar titled 'Celebrating Africa' that she was told caught Ellen's attention when she received a call inviting her to attend the show. But Ekhlas had no idea that she was going to be a guest on the show until Ellen started reading the letter . Not only did Ellen give her a check to pay off her student loans, but she's also going to sell the calendar on her website!