Mykale Baker did not follow the usual plan of most high school graduates and wasn’t out with friends and family having fun. Because of his hard work, the results are now clear.
Only hours after graduating from Mills Creek High School in Georgia, Baker was working at the Burger King near his house wearing his graduation stole and medals.
Baker graduated from Chillicothe, with Maria Mendoza documenting her work which soon went viral and changed his life.
New York Post reports that, having gone through her own daughter’s graduation ceremonies at the high school, Mendoza observed the teenager working the drive-thru window at about 10:00 PM on May 21.
Many graduates celebrated after their walk across the stage, but one young man quietly demonstrated what it means to be determined, Mendoza said on GoFundMe.
Given Baker’s laid-back dedication and contagious happiness, Mendoza took her photo and uploaded a video to TikTok and it has now gained over 3.9 million views.
He didn’t do it because he wanted to be seen. He is totally unaware that his story hit the internet. But his persistent dedication, humility and hard work inspired thousands of people,” she said.
@mariabonita528 This young man deserves a scholarship!!!! @Carlos_Eduardo_Espina @Burger King #daculaga #burgerking #youngkid #graduated #hardworking #pesopluma #nuevavida
People unite as a result of watching the viral video.
Mendoza felt inspired instead of just being impressed. After the video, she set up a GoFundMe page to support Baker’s desire to go to college and people responded in a big way.
The GoFundMe effort as of Saturday morning (May 31) has raised over $115,000, adding $22,000 in just a few days. The purpose of the campaign is to raise money for Baker’s tuition, books, other materials and what is needed for schooling.
The fundraiser calls on the community to unite and back this youth group. “We need to make him realize the world is interested and supporting him.”
Congratulations to you, Mykale, for your graduation. I am really encouraged by your enthusiasm and commitment.”
Another said, “I’m so happy for you, Mykale!!! Work hard and be the best you can be at anything you choose to do!!
Don’t even realize you inspire me every day. Stick to what you believe in and go after what you want. Congrats on graduating and God Bless you as you go forward, stated a different person.
From Not Knowing to Knowing There Is Potential
Mendoza was not aware of all the attention he was receiving, so on May 26 he returned to the Burger King to let Baker know how much money had been raised and ended up crying. Anyone on TikTok could see how he gave both Mendoza and his tearful mother hugs and expressed his gratitude for their support in another video.
Because I didn’t have money for school, I had decided to take a gap year, but now, thanks to you, I’ll probably start at technical college directly for mechanical (sic), Baker said.
“I was never prepared for this and it means a lot to me,” he said.
A Big Change
Because he cleared up his doubts, the teenager now has a planned way forward to achieve his ambitions without the extra cost of college.
Baker was amazed that she was getting a special surprise since she watched players on YouTube get them.
Mendoza said after the encounter: “The way he dedicated himself and was strong without saying much truly encouraged me. I wanted to do something to pay respect to that experience. I feel glad that I could do something for him.
Mykale, congratulations!