Just hours after receiving his high school diploma from Mills Creek High School, 18-year-old Mykale Baker went straight to work at his Burger King job in Dacula, Georgia. Still dressed in his graduation stole and medals, he spent the night bagging orders and serving customers. His dedication and humility caught the attention of Maria Mendoza, a customer who had just come from her own daughter’s graduation ceremony.

Impressed by Mykale’s strong work ethic and quiet determination, she recorded a short TikTok video of him working the drive-thru while still wearing his graduation attire. The 20-second video quickly went viral, amassing over 3 million views. Many viewers were moved by Mykale’s commitment to his job despite his recent achievement, seeing it as a powerful example of perseverance and responsibility. Inspired by his story, Maria Mendoza decided to create a GoFundMe campaign to help support Mykale’s dream of attending college.

The fundraiser quickly gained momentum, raising more than $22,000 within just a few days. On May 26, Maria surprised Mykale at his workplace with the news of the generous donations. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mykale embraced both his mother and Maria, thanking nearly 1,000 strangers who had contributed to his future. Before this unexpected support, Mykale had considered postponing his college plans due to financial difficulties.

However, now he is excited and hopeful about attending a technical college to study mechanics. “Thank you so much,” he said, emotionally. “I might actually go straight to college now.”

What began as a simple shift at Burger King after graduation has since become a powerful story symbolizing resilience, humility, and the kindness of a supportive community. Mykale Baker’s journey reminds us all of the value of hard work and the impact that compassion can have on a young person’s life.