‘Quietly showed the world’

As likes and comments flooded in, Mendoza wasn’t satisfied with simply showcasing Baker’s hustle. She took it a step further and launched a GoFundMe to raise a few thousand dollars to help him with his post-secondary goals.

To generate some buzz around the campaign, Mendoza shared another social media clip, inviting netizens to contribute and “Help this humble graduate chase his college dreams.”

“While many graduates spent the night celebrating with friends and family, one young man quietly showed the world what determination looks like. Just after receiving his diploma – still proudly wearing his medals – he reported to his shift at Burger King,” she writes on the GoFundMe, that’s raised more than $230,000 of the $60,000 goal. “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.

“All funds raised will go directly toward helping him with college tuition, books, supplies, and other educational needs.”