Just a few hours after receiving his high school diploma, Mykale Baker found himself back at Burger King – flipping burgers, bagging fries, and assisting his team during the evening rush.
Still adorned with his graduation stole and medals, the young man opted for hard work over celebration, motivating a stranger to raise over $230,000 for his future.
On May 21, Mykale Baker from Georgia took his mother and grandmother to the Burger King where he has been employed for more than a year to commemorate his graduation from Mills Creek High School with a Whopper.
While many of his friends were out celebrating, the 18-year-old – who had just picked up his diploma hours before – noticed the late-night rush at the fast-food restaurant and quickly leaped over the counter to help out.
With the pride of a newly graduated student still shining on his chest, he pulled on his gloves and got to work, unaware that his life was about to take a significant turn.
‘Radiating joy’
Baker, who was brought up by a single mother, caught the attention of another mother, who – after her own daughter graduated from a different high school – was stopping by the burger place for a late-night treat.
“He was incredibly kind and polite,” Maria Mendoza shared with 11 Alive. “Radiating joy, even after such a monumental day. His commitment and quiet strength truly touched me. I felt compelled to do something to acknowledge that.
Motivated by the young man who was “quietly demonstrating what determination truly means,” Mendoza recorded a video of him joyfully making burgers on a sizzling grill and posted it on TikTok.
“You can see how proud he is to wear his medals,” she mentioned, pointing out that graduation wrapped up after 10 p.m. “TikTok, do your magic!”
With over 4.5 million views, the world marveled at a teenager who opted for humble service and unwavering commitment instead of seeking the limelight.
‘Quietly demonstrated to the world’
As likes and comments poured in, Mendoza wanted to do more than just highlight Baker’s hard work. She decided to take it further by starting a GoFundMe campaign to gather a few thousand dollars to support his post-secondary aspirations.
To create some excitement around the initiative, Mendoza posted another video on social media, encouraging users to pitch in and “Help this modest graduate pursue his college ambitions.”
“While many graduates were out celebrating with their loved ones, one young man quietly demonstrated to the world what determination looks like. Just after receiving his diploma – still proudly displaying his medals – he headed to his shift at Burger King,” she wrote on the GoFundMe page, which has raised over $230,000 of the $60,000 target. “He didn’t seek attention. He isn’t even aware that his story has gone viral. Yet, thousands have been inspired by his dedication, humility, and strong work ethic.
“All funds collected will be directly allocated to assist him with college tuition, books, supplies, and other educational necessities.
‘Selfless’
On May 26, Mendoza went back to the Burger King and astonished the recent graduate with the funds collected for his future – at that moment $6,000 – which brought him to tears.
“I don’t think he’s ever realized how selfless he is until now,” Mycah Baker shared with the New York Post about her brother, the youngest of eight siblings. “He’s always performed these acts without many people noticing. It’s something that comes naturally to him.”
“Our family is incredibly thankful that someone like Myke (his family nickname) is finally receiving the recognition he has always deserved,” Mycah continued.
Tearful gratitude
When the compassionate woman inquired about his college plans, Baker revealed he was facing financial limitations but was hoping to attend a trade school.
Speaking to Mendoza’s TikTok audience, the young man – still filled with emotion – expressed, “Thank you so much, I was considering taking a gap year because I didn’t have funds for school, but thanks to all of you. Now, I might actually go directly to technical college and pursue my mechanical (sic).”
With tears in his eyes, Baker expressed, “I never imagined this would happen to me, and I’m incredibly grateful.”
But the generosity didn’t end there. The Burger King Foundation also contributed a $10,000 scholarship. Just like that, a teenager who once faced uncertainty after graduation was given the opportunity to pursue a future that seemed unattainable.
Mykale Baker wasn’t after fame – he was in search of purpose. In a society that often highlights the loudest or most extravagant, he shows us that true strength can be both quiet and humble.
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