You can play the lottery hundreds of times without ever winning. Or play once and win a million dollar prize.
This is what happened to Juliette Lamour on her first try.
The 18-year-old has just won C$48 million (US$35.8 million – more than 166 billion Colombian pesos), making her the youngest Canadian to win such a big prize.
The first thing he did was immediately see a financial adviser. I mean, his father.
But while many teenagers suddenly endowed with unimaginable wealth can go crazy, Juliette is keen to keep her feet on the ground.
As a student, she plans to finish her studies and become a doctor.
“I was crying. Tears of joy, of course,” he told the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation on Friday as he celebrated last month’s win.
“I still can’t believe I won the Gold Ball jackpot on my first lottery ticket!”
Juliette, of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., said she completely forgot about the lottery ticket until she learned someone from her hometown had won the Jan. 7 draw.
When she went to check her ticket via a mobile app, a jingle started playing and “Big Winner” appeared on the screen.
“My co-worker fell to her knees in disbelief,” Juliette said.
“I was screaming. In fact, everyone was screaming that I had won $48 million [canadienses]”.
Her boss told her she could leave earlier, but her mother insisted that she stay and finish her shift.
Juliette said she would “carefully” invest most of the prize money with the help of her father.
He plans to invest some of the money to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor without worrying about grants or loans.
He wants to return to northern Ontario to practice medicine and help his community, he said.
Although among his plans, of course, there is also that of having a little fun.
“Once school is out, my family and I will pick a continent and start exploring,” he said.
“I want to get to know different countries, study their history and culture, taste their food and listen to their language.”
She also hopes to follow some of the advice her loved ones have given her.
“Money doesn’t define you,” he said.
“It’s the work you do that will define you.”
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