KarunaNews Story

The night Mykale Baker graduated from high school, he didn’t go to a party. He went to work at Burger King — even though he didn’t have a shift that night. When the ceremony ended, he and his family went to Burger King for dinner. “I walked in there and it was very busy,” said Baker, 18. “There were only three employees in there, so I was like, I can help you out for a little bit.” Baker got straight to work — still wearing his graduation sash and medals. Maria Mendoza pulled up to the drive-through, and spotted him working with the graduation gear on. Mendoza was there with her husband to pick up dinner for a celebration with their family, including a daughter who graduated with Baker. She got emotional seeing Baker working at the restaurant and pulled out her phone to record Baker in action. She posted the video on TikTok, knowing others would be touched and it quickly went viral. People started asking about how they could contribute to Baker’s college fund, prompting Mendoza to start a GoFundMe page. The initial goal was $5,000; the fundraiser has now reached $200,000. Baker will use the money to attend a technical college, where he will study to become a mechanic. In the meanwhile, he will continue to work at Burger King. “I’m in it for the enjoyment, the happiness. I just love working,” he said. “The people I work around make the job more fun.” Baker hopes his story inspires other young people to work hard and be kind. “The kindness that you put out there always has a way of coming back to you,” he said. “I’m very thankful to everyone who has donated and supported me through this journey.”