Just hours after receiving his high school diploma, 18-year-old Mykale Baker showcased remarkable dedication by heading straight to his job at Burger King in Dacula, Georgia. Still adorned in his graduation stole and medals, Baker stepped in to assist during a late-night rush on May 21, 2025, embodying a work ethic that would soon capture national attention.

Customer Maria Mendoza, who had just attended her own daughter’s graduation from the same high school, noticed Baker’s commitment. Moved by the sight of him working in his graduation attire, she recorded a brief TikTok video around 10 p.m., highlighting his determination. The video resonated deeply, quickly amassing over 3 million views.

Recognizing Baker’s humility and dedication, Mendoza initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support his college aspirations. The fundraiser rapidly gained momentum, surpassing its initial goal and raising over $130,000 from nearly a thousand donors. This overwhelming support provided Baker with the means to pursue his dream of attending technical college, a path he had considered delaying due to financial constraints.

On May 26, Mendoza returned to Burger King to share the life-changing news with Baker. Overcome with emotion, he expressed profound gratitude, stating, “I was thinking of taking a gap year because I didn’t have money for school, but thank you to all of you now, I might actually go straight to technical college.” His heartfelt response underscored the impact of collective generosity and the power of community support.

Baker’s story serves as a testament to the profound effects of recognizing and uplifting hardworking individuals. His journey from the graduation stage to the Burger King counter and now toward higher education exemplifies how acts of kindness can transform lives and inspire others to pursue their dreams.