This Atlanta Burger King employee worked a last-minute shift in graduation gown after high school ceremony — now he’s $87,000 richer. Here’s what the teen can teach you

What a diploma really costs

In Georgia, the state minimum wage is officially listed at $5.15 per hour.

However, most workers are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, which requires employers to pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.

At the same time, the cost of attending college in the U.S. keeps climbing. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average annual cost of college, including tuition, books, supplies and living expenses, is $38,270 per student.

For many students working part-time jobs, especially in fast food or retail, those wages make it hard to cover even basic expenses, let alone build meaningful savings for tuition. Balancing school and work often means juggling limited hours and inconsistent income — forcing tough decisions about whether to delay college or take on serious debt.

“I was thinking of taking a gap year because I didn’t have money for school,” Baker told Mendoza’s TikTok followers. “But thank you to all of you now. I might actually go straight to technical college and get my mechanical (degree).”

With the GoFundMe campaign now exceeding its $60,000 goal, Baker is one step closer to turning those college plans into reality.

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Follow Baker’s lead

Baker’s story proves that even a part-time fast-food job can open doors — especially when paired with a strong work ethic and a willingness to go the extra mile. Showing up to work on graduation day wasn’t just a sign of dedication. It was a message to others of his drive and determination.

While most part-time workers won’t end up in a viral video, the financial lesson still holds: even small paychecks can make a difference. Whether you're using them to cover day-to-day expenses, build an emergency fund or chip away at tuition costs, consistency matters.

There are also ways to make those earnings work harder. For example, setting aside a portion of each paycheck into a high-yield savings account can help you take advantage of compounding interest. Even modest contributions — say, $100 a month — can grow over time. It’s not just about saving. It’s about putting your money in the right place so it continues to work for you.

If you're passionate about a goal, don't be afraid to share your story. Scholarships and grants often come when people understand what you’re striving for. Hard work rarely goes unnoticed — and sometimes, it pays off in ways you never expected.