Just hours after receiving his high school diploma, Mykale Baker, a recent graduate from Mills Creek High School in Georgia, returned to his job at a local Burger King. His dedication to work, even on a day of celebration, caught the attention of a customer, Maria Mendoza, who was inspired to raise funds for his college education.
On May 21, Baker, still adorned in his graduation stole and medals, resumed his shift at the fast-food restaurant in Dacula, Georgia, to help manage the late-night rush. Mendoza, who had just attended her daughter’s graduation at the same school, noticed Baker’s commitment and decided to share his story on TikTok.
Mendoza’s video, which showed Baker bagging orders while still wearing his graduation attire, quickly went viral, garnering over 3 million views. In her post, Mendoza praised Baker’s determination, humility, and work ethic, noting that he had chosen to work rather than celebrate his graduation.
Moved by Baker’s dedication and positive attitude, Mendoza started a GoFundMe campaign to help him pursue his college dreams. The campaign has since raised over $22,000, all of which will be given to Baker.
On May 26, Mendoza returned to the Burger King to surprise Baker with the news of the successful fundraising campaign. The revelation brought Baker to tears, and he expressed his gratitude to Mendoza and the nearly thousand donors who had contributed to his future.
Baker had previously considered taking a gap year due to financial constraints, but the unexpected windfall has given him the opportunity to pursue his dream of attending a technical college. Overwhelmed by the generosity, Baker expressed his gratitude to Mendoza’s TikTok followers, stating, “I never thought this would happen to me, I’m very thankful.”