Mykale Baker went straight from high school graduation to a Burger King shift—now he’s going straight to college, thanks to a viral video and $22,000 in donations.
At a Glance
- Mykale Baker worked at Burger King in cap and gown right after graduating from Mills Creek High
- Customer Maria Mendoza filmed the moment and launched a viral TikTok campaign
- Mendoza’s GoFundMe for Baker raised over $22,000 for his college education
- Baker plans to pursue technical training with the new financial support
- The story has become a symbol of community-driven opportunity
Graduation Shift Goes Viral
For most high school graduates, the ceremony is followed by celebrations. But for Georgia teen Mykale Baker, the next stop was his Burger King shift—still dressed in his cap and gown. The powerful image of his dedication struck a chord with Maria Mendoza, a customer whose son graduated alongside Baker. Moved by the scene, she recorded the moment and shared it on TikTok, where it rapidly went viral.
The clip—showing Baker working the counter just hours after receiving his diploma—has since amassed over 3 million views. The attention sparked not just admiration but action. Mendoza created a GoFundMe campaign to help Baker pursue higher education, writing that his “humility and work ethic deserve to be recognized and supported.”
Donations Change the Future
What began as a modest act of generosity quickly grew into a life-changing opportunity. Within days, donations topped $22,000, blowing past Mendoza’s initial expectations. Prior to the fundraiser, Baker had uncertain post-graduation plans due to financial limitations. Now, with enough money to cover tuition, supplies, and fees, he’s preparing to enroll in a technical program aligned with his career goals.
Local media, including 11Alive, reported that Baker became emotional upon hearing the news, overwhelmed by support from complete strangers. “The look on his face was pure disbelief,” Mendoza said in a follow-up post, underscoring just how unexpected and impactful the moment was.
The Power of Community
Baker’s story has become a feel-good viral sensation—a reminder that sometimes hard work is rewarded in unexpected ways. It also highlights the growing role of social media as a tool for grassroots generosity. While not every viral story leads to real-world impact, this one has transformed a snapshot of teenage determination into a launchpad for success.
As Baker transitions from the fast-food counter to a college classroom, his experience reflects the transformative potential of visibility, compassion, and community backing. His next chapter is now being written not just by his own perseverance, but by the kindness of those who believed his story deserved a better ending.
