The young man hard at work at his Burger King shift just hours after his graduation. Credit: GoFundMe
While others partied after graduation, 18-year-old Mykale Baker chose to work instead.
Just hours after getting his diploma from Mill Creek High School in Georgia,
he clocked in at Burger King,
still wearing his graduation stole and medals.
His dedication didn’t go unnoticed—he’s now being celebrated for it.
Maria Mendoza, a fellow graduate’s mom, captured the moment and made it go viral.
That moment changed Mykale Baker’s life.
“Determination Looks Like This.”
Around 10:00 PM on May 21,
Mendoza saw Baker working the drive-thru at Burger King.
She had just watched her own daughter graduate from Mill Creek High School,
the same school Baker attended.
“While many graduates celebrated, one young man quietly showed the world what determination looks like,” Mendoza wrote on GoFundMe.
Moved by Baker’s quiet drive and joyful energy,
she filmed a 20-second TikTok video.
That clip reached over 3.9 million views.
“He didn’t do it for attention,” she added.
“He doesn’t even know his story went viral.
But thousands felt inspired by his dedication, humility, and work ethic.”
Viral Video Sparks a Community Movement
Mendoza felt more than impressed — she felt inspired.
She launched a GoFundMe to support Baker’s college dreams.
The response was overwhelming.
Within days, it raised $22,000.
By Saturday morning (May 31), donations passed $115,000.
The campaign will help cover tuition, books, supplies,
and any other education-related needs.
“Let’s come together and support this young man,” the fundraiser says.
“Let’s show him the world is watching — and cheering him on.”
One donor wrote:
“Congratulations, Mykale, on your graduation! Your dedication and positive spirit are truly inspiring.”
Another added:
“Congratulations, Mykale! Keep being GREAT in everything you set your mind to!”
A third wrote:
“You’re an inspiration without even knowing it. Stay true to your values.
Follow your dreams. Congrats and God bless!”
From Uncertainty to Opportunity
Baker had no idea he was going viral.
On May 26, Mendoza returned to Burger King and showed him the fundraiser.
He broke down in tears,
hugging Mendoza and his emotional mother in a follow-up TikTok.
“Thank you so much,” Baker said.
“I was thinking of taking a gap year because I didn’t have money for school.
But now I might go straight to technical college and study mechanics.”
“I never thought this would happen to me.
I’m very thankful.”
A Life-Changing Moment
Baker once considered delaying college due to financial struggles.
Now, he has a clear path forward.
“I always watched people on YouTube get cool surprises,” he said.
“I never thought it would happen to me.”
Mendoza told 11 Alive,
“His dedication and quiet strength really moved me.
I felt called to recognize that.
I’m just grateful I got to do something for him.”
Congratulations, Mykale!
