Just hours after receiving his diploma from Mills Creek High School, 18-year-old Mykale Baker headed straight to his Burger King job in Dacula, Georgia. Still wearing his graduation stole and medals, he bagged orders late into the night on May 21. Customer Maria Mendoza noticed his dedication and filmed a short TikTok of Baker at the drive-thru. Having just come from her own daughter’s graduation, she was struck by his humility and work ethic. “While many graduates celebrated, one young man showed what determination looks like,” she wrote.
The 20-second clip went viral, drawing over 3 million views. Moved by his quiet commitment, Mendoza launched a GoFundMe to support Baker’s college dreams. Within days, it raised more than $22,000. On May 26, Mendoza surprised Baker at Burger King with the news. Overwhelmed, he hugged his mother and Mendoza, grateful to nearly 1,000 strangers who donated.
Baker admitted he’d considered delaying school because of financial struggles but now plans to attend technical college to study mechanics. “Thank you so much,” he said. “I might actually go straight to college now.”
His story, born from one ordinary shift after graduation, has become a symbol of resilience, humility, and community generosity.