A North Carolina nurse who works at Covid-19 at a long-term care facility received a welcome surprise by winning $ 1 million in the state lottery.
The nurse, Terri Watkins, had entered the Supreme Riches $ 300,000,000 second chance draw, but she didn’t think she would really win.
When the state education lottery called to congratulate her, Watkins said she was shocked.
“I thought it was a fraud. I was a little upset, actually! I thought it wasn’t real, it couldn’t be real. It’s still something I don’t really believe in, I’m still a little shocked here, “she said, according to a press release.
Durham’s Watkins did not return a call from NBC News on Wednesday.
His name was chosen from more than 513,000 entries. Watkins had the option of receiving $ 424,500 in cash – the amount the winner receives after tax – or receiving 20 payments of $ 50,000 per year.
She chose to take the money home and received the prize on Thursday.
“I am a nurse and work at the Covid unit at a long-term care facility. Just seeing some of the things I had to see, I am very grateful, “she said.” I was praying for something that would help me in this situation. It really is a great thing. I am very blessed. “
For now, Watkins said he is still considering how he will spend the money. She said a new home would be nice, but she wants to “take the time and put it in the right place”.
“I’m just going to go slowly and calmly and find out what I’m going to do,” she said.
