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Woman in tears after thinking someone was getting fired but was surprised with $20,000 for work milestone
Featured Image Credit: GMA

Woman in tears after thinking someone was getting fired but was surprised with $20,000 for work milestone

Sophia Teel could not believe it when she received the massive amount of money.

A woman was left in tears after receiving a whopping $20,000 for a special work anniversary.

It seems like an awful lot of work related videos go viral on the internet - with most of them often involving someone getting fired.

In the past year, we've seen a woman fired after a company used keystroke technology to see how she was working from home, while a hairdresser was sacked for apparently using her phone too much.

However, this particular story from 2022 is the complete opposite of those reports.

Sophia Teel began her career over 20 years ago as an intern at Risinger & Nelson Orthodontic Specialists - something she remained at the last time we heard from her in 2022.

Working as a dental assistant in 2022 - she was quickly approaching her 20th anniversary at the company.

So orthodontists Mike Nelson and Ron Risinger of Beaumont, Texas, decided to surprise her with $1,000 for each year she'd worked at the practice in recognition of all her hard work.

And the video of her surprise has been reposted across different social media platforms in the past two years, receiving millions of views in the process.

Sophia approached her 20th anniversary at the company in 2022.
Facebook/Risinger & Nelson Orthodontic Specialists

In the clip, a shocked Sophia stood there in front of all of her colleagues as an orthodontist handed her a grand, after grand, after grand.

He finished handing over the cash once Sophia had $20,000 in her pocket - something that left her very emotional.

Though like many of us would be if the boss suddenly called you into a room, she was initially a bit worried.

She told Good Morning America: "I was thinking, 'Good grief, I got a month left before 20 years. I know I'm not getting fired'."

She told the publication that she was 'humbled that day' and it was 'awesome' to feel so appreciated.

"This is the perfect position," Sophia added. "Kids are getting braces on to love their smile, to get more confidence. Usually at the end, they're very happy. So this is a fun job."

Sophia was understandably shocked by the surprise.
Facebook/Risinger & Nelson Orthodontic Specialists

Meanwhile, Dr Nelson told GMA that Sophia plays a large role in making clients feel confident when they come in.

"Sophia is a great example of someone who just brings joy and happiness to the office every day," he said.

While Dr Risinger added: "Sophia is not only an employee, but she's a family friend and a very valuable person to have around you."

He went on to say that Sophia was 'one of the reasons' that the business was successful.

Now isn't that lovely?

Topics: Viral, Social Media