An 18-year-old woman is now $48 million richer after winning a lottery ticket in Canada – the first time she played the game.
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation called Juliette Lamour the youngest Canadian to ever win such a big jackpot through the lottery and presented her check on Friday.
Lamour, who lives in Ontario, said a family member suggested she buy a lotto ticket.
“I had just turned 18 and my grandfather suggested I buy a lottery ticket for fun,” Lamour said at a media conference on Friday, according to the lottery agency.
When did she learn she won?
Lamour said she had forgotten all about the lottery ticket until she heard news that someone from her hometown had won the Jan. 7 draw.
When she went to check her ticket through a mobile app, a jingle started to play and “Big Winner” flashed on the screen.
“I was crying,” Lamour said. “I still can’t believe I hit the Gold Ball jackpot on my very first lottery ticket!”
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What will she do with the money?
Lamour said she was comforted knowing her dad is a financial planner.
While the majority of the money will be put away for now in investments, Lamour said she remains committed to her dream of becoming a doctor.
“I wanted to go to medical school before winning the lottery. Now I can pursue this dream without worrying about grants or loans,” she said.
Natalie Neysa Alund covers trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.