If you aren’t already familiar with Humans of New York (HONY), here’s a quick explanation: In 2010, a photographer named Brandon Stanton started taking pictures of strangers in New York City. In addition to the pictures, he would ask them questions, such as, “Who has influenced you the most in your life?” or, “What’s your greatest fear?” Then, Brandon compiled the pictures and the stories, creating what is now a very popular (and inspiring) blog.

Fast forward four years: Brandon meets Vidal, a middle school student at Mott Hall Bridges Academy in Brownsville, Brooklyn — a neighborhood known for having the highest crime rate in New York City. Inspired by Vidal’s story and the school’s mission to empower their students to rise above their circumstances and be all that they can be, Brandon decided to create a fundraiser to raise money for the school. In just a short amount of time, HONY has raised over 1.2 million dollars for the school — creating enough funds for trips to Harvard, a much needed summer program, and a scholarship fund for graduates of Mott Hall Bridges Academy.

But don’t just listen to me. Watch this inspiring story unfold as Ellen DeGeneres interviews Brandon, Vidal, and Vidal’s principal, Nadia Lopez — the woman who Vidal says has influenced him the most in his life.