Hello. My name is Samantha Matthews, however I prefer to be addressed as Sam.  I am a four year student at Longwood University and a second year student in the Therapeutic Recreation program.   I will graduate May of 2022 and then take my certification to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.  I first learned about Therapeutic Recreation when deciding to change my major from Nursing in my second semester of my Sophomore year in the year 2019.  I have always loved helping others and want to be able to do that in my everyday life.  Now I feel as though I do not have to change the world, however I can have the ability to change one person’s world, or their perception of their world.  I have worked as a Certified Nurse’s Aide at Heritage Hall for the last three years and enjoy getting to learn about my residents.  I also enjoy the connections that I am able to make on a day to day basis.  By helping others it helps me because it gives me a sense of purpose.  I hope you enjoy my E-portfolio, please feel free to browse through the various pages to learn more about me!