DACULA, GA – An 18-year-old from Dacula, Georgia, Mykale Baker, has received nearly $170,000 in donations for his college education after a TikTok video of him working at Burger King in his graduation attire went viral.
Key Facts:
- Viral Dedication: Mykale Baker went directly from his high school graduation ceremony on May 21st to his shift at Burger King in Dacula, Georgia, still wearing his cap, gown, and medals.
- Community Generosity: A local resident, Maria Mendoza, filmed Baker and posted the video to TikTok, which quickly garnered over 3 million views, leading her to create a GoFundMe page that has since raised nearly $170,000.
- College Dreams Funded: The substantial donations will go directly toward Baker’s college tuition, books, supplies, and other educational needs, helping him pursue his dreams of higher education, potentially at a trade school.
Baker’s quiet dedication, filmed by a stranger, resonated with millions online, transforming a routine work shift into a life-changing opportunity.
From Graduation to Grill: A Viral Moment
On May 21, just hours after graduating from Mill Creek High School, Mykale Baker arrived at his job at Burger King in Dacula, Georgia. He was still wearing his graduation cap, gown, and the medals he had earned. While many of his peers were celebrating, Baker’s commitment to his responsibilities led him to clock in for his shift. What drives a high school graduate to head straight to work after such a monumental day?
Maria Mendoza, a local resident, noticed Baker’s attire while getting a late-night snack at the drive-thru. Impressed by his work ethic and joyful demeanor, she filmed a short 20-second TikTok video. “He was so kind, so polite,” Mendoza told 11Alive. “Radiating joy, even after such a big day. His dedication and quiet strength really moved me.” She later learned that Baker wasn’t even scheduled to work that night but jumped in to help his co-workers with a late-night rush.
An Outpouring of Support Transforms a Future
Mendoza’s video quickly went viral, accumulating over 3 million views. The overwhelming positive response prompted her to create a GoFundMe page titled “Help This Humble Graduate Chase His College Dreams.” The fundraiser initially aimed for $60,000 but quickly surpassed that goal, soaring to nearly $170,000 within just 10 days, primarily from thousands of anonymous strangers. Why did this particular act of dedication resonate so strongly with so many people?
The GoFundMe description emphasized Baker’s humility and determination: “While many graduates spent the night celebrating with friends and family, one young man quietly showed the world what determination looks like. Just after receiving his diploma—still proudly wearing his medals—he reported to his shift at Burger King.”
Upon learning about the significant donations, Baker was brought to tears, expressing gratitude for the belief and generosity shown by strangers. He had faced uncertainty about his post-graduation plans due to financial restrictions and was hoping to attend a trade school. The funds raised will now directly support his college tuition, books, supplies, and other educational needs, paving the way for his higher education dreams. This unexpected turn of events highlights the power of social media to rally support for deserving individuals.
