Emily Brown
A California woman has seen her life completely transform as she went from experiencing homelessness to becoming a millionaire in a matter of years.
When Lucia Forseth was experiencing homelessness in 2017, she had no hope that she'd ever be lucky enough to win the lottery.
"I never thought it would happen to someone like me,” she said.
Lucia thankfully was able to find a secure place to live a few years later, but her life changed more than she could have ever imagined after she stopped at a Walmart in Pittsburgh to change the oil in her car.
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While there, Lucia decided to buy a Scratchers lottery ticket.
In a press release, she later explained: “I only bought one ticket. I closed my eyes and picked that one."
Lucia couldn't wait to scratch the ticket, and did it right outside the shop.
It took her a second to comprehend what it said, but before long it dawned on her.
"It won!" Lucia said. "I first thought I’d won a free ticket, but I checked, and it said I won $5 million!”
The odds weren't necessarily in Lucia's favour - the California Lottery have said the chances of winning are 1 in 3,088,854 - but Lucia just so happened to be the lucky one.
Her win makes her the third winner of the ticket in California so far this year, though there are still two $5 million tickets out there to be won.
The money comes during a big year for Lucia, who explained: “Six years ago, I was homeless. This year I am getting married, getting my associate degree, and won $5 million.
"You never think you have a chance to win it. It is just random."
After previously having nowhere to call home, Lucia is now planning to spend some of her winnings on a new house. With the rest, she plans to do some investing.
Carolyn Becker, a spokesperson for the California Lottery, highlighted the importance of Lucia's story as she commented: "The California Lottery's sole mission is to raise additional funding for public education, and it’s only possible with our players' support.
"Hearing a success story like this showcases the positive impact our games have on winners and schools alike.”
In the fiscal year of 2021-2022, the lottery raised approximately $2 billion towards public education, including kindergarten and grades 1-12, community colleges, the California State University, the University of California, and other California public educational entities.