New Grad Goes Straight to Work, Gets Rewarded by TikTok

In a time when viral fame often comes from stunts or pranks, one Atlanta teen is making headlines for all the right reasons.

Just hours after donning his cap and gown for graduation, 18-year-old Mykale Baker clocked in for his shift at Burger King—still wearing his full graduation attire. According to the video, the graduation didn’t end until 10:00 PM.

The moment, captured in a now-viral TikTok by a customer, has struck a chord with thousands of people online, sparking a wave of admiration and generosity.

It shows Mykale standing in the Burger King kitchen, clearly fresh from the graduation stage, ready to take orders with the same commitment he’s likely shown in school. The contrast between the formality of his gown and the fast-food setting quickly turned the photo into a symbol of grit and determination.

The woman who took the photo, moved by Mykale’s work ethic, started a GoFundMe to help support his college dreams. What began as a modest fundraising effort has now grown into something life-changing.

Within days, the campaign blew past $150,000 in donations—more than enough to cover tuition, books, and then some.

Mykale became an internet sensation overnight, but also a beacon of what hard work looks like in action. With the support of strangers rallying behind him, he’s now free to pursue higher education without the financial weight that burdens so many young students.

The story is especially resonant for communities who understand the hustle it takes to get ahead. For many, Mykale’s decision to show up for work on one of the most important days of his life wasn’t surprising; it was relatable.

As the GoFundMe page puts it, “From Burger King to a College Dream.” Thanks to the internet’s better instincts, that dream is now very real.