“Determination Looks Like This”

According to the New York Post, Mendoza, who had recently witnessed her own daughter graduate from the same high school, observed the teenager behind the drive-thru window at around 10:00 PM on May 21.

“While many graduates spent the night celebrating with friends and family, one young man quietly showed the world what determination looks like,” Mendoza wrote on GoFundMe.

Inspired by Baker’s calm commitment and “radiating joy,” Mendoza captured the moment on camera and posted a 20-second TikTok video, which as of this writing has received over 3.9 million views.

“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,” she added.

Viral Video Sparks a Community Movement

Mendoza