A 19-year-old woman from Southfield, N.B. is the region’s newest millionaire.

Kelsie Hodgin said she received a text message from her boyfriend Thursday morning, saying someone who had purchased a ticket in Sussex had won $7 million.

“I jumped out of bed, grabbed the ticket, and got online to check the numbers,” said Hodgin, who had purchased a ticket for the May 21 Lotto 6/49 draw on a whim.

“We had purchased our ticket in Sussex. What I saw on the screen were numbers that matched my ticket but I didn’t quite believe it, so I did what I always do; I called my mom, and she checked them for me.”

Her mother agreed she appeared to have the winning numbers, but they decided to check the numbers at a store. They confirmed Hodgin had won the $7 million Lotto 6/49 jackpot.

“I am shocked and I still haven’t, I don’t think, fully processed it yet because it’s a huge deal,” said Hodgin as she collected her cheque in Moncton Friday morning.

“I always said it’s not like I’m ever going to win. I’m never going to win. Then I buy a ticket and it turns out I’m the winner!”

Hodgin is a sales representative with Bell Aliant but is currently on maternity leave. She said she enjoys her job and hasn’t decided whether she will continue to work for Bell Aliant once her maternity leave expires in December.

She and her boyfriend plan to move out of his parents’ home and move into a home of their own.

“Paul and I will pay off our car and we plan to build a new house. Beyond that I would like to take a trip somewhere, but I have no idea where,” she said.

“This is all just sinking in. I mean I have dreamed about winning, but now that I have, I am a little overwhelmed.”

She said she also plans to put aside some money for her five-month-old daughter, Payton.

“I’m excited for her when she grows up that she’s going to know she’s going to do really well.”

The winning ticket was sold at Wilson’s Go Store in Sussex. The retailer will receive a one per cent seller’s prize.

Hodgin’s win is the second Lotto 6/49 jackpot prize awarded in New Brunswick in as many weeks.