A Georgia high schooler who rushed straight from his graduation to his shift at Burger King proved that dedication and hard work pays off.
TikTok user Maria Mendoza said she’d just watched her daughter graduate from high school in Dacula when she stopped by a Burger King to grab a whopper around 11 p.m.
From the drive-thru line, she spotted a young worker wearing a graduation sash and medals around his neck.
“This young man deserves a scholarship!!!!” Mendoza wrote on TikTok and shared the video, which quickly went viral.
Immediately, people started asking to donate to the worker, who family members identified as Mykale Baker.
Mendoza set up a GoFundMe with the original goal of $5,000, calling it “From Burger King to College Dream.”
“While many graduates spent the night celebrating with friends and family, one young man quietly showed the world what determination looks like,” Mendoza wrote. “Just after receiving his diploma—still proudly wearing his medals—he reported to his shift at Burger King. He didn’t do it for attention. He doesn’t even know his story went viral. But thousands of people were moved by his dedication, humility, and work ethic.”
The GoFundMe has since raised nearly $170,000 to help Baker pay for college expenses.
Mendoza later returned to the Burger King with some help from the store’s manager and surprised Baker and his mom, Demetria, with news about the GoFundMe.
Mendoza posted another TikTok of Baker’s emotional reaction.
Baker told Mendoza that he wants to go to tradeschool, but had been concerned about the cost.
You can donate to the GoFundMe HERE.
Mommy G.O.A.T. 
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