Aaron Junnila 
Veterinarian 
(707)775-8595 
ajunnila20@petk12.org 

Summary  References 

Has a fond love of animals and wishes to devote knowledge,  Dr. Matthew Carter, 
experience, skills, energy, and expertise to the treatment and  Veterinarian, Central Animal 
well-being of animals. Extensive experience in treating and 
diagnosing a diverse array of diseases and injuries in animals.  Hospital 
Seeks employment with an institution reputed for its  (​mcarter@centralanimalhos.
excellence in surgery and animal care.  com​) 
 

Experience  Dr. Matthew Beal, Professor, 

  Michigan State University 
Veterinarian 2017-present 
(517)353-5420  
Central Animal Hospital, Petaluma, CA 
 
Wildlife Rehabilitator 2015-2017  Dr. Angie Smith 
Petaluma Animal Shelter, Petaluma, CA 
Co-worker/Volunteer, 
 
Veterinary Technician 2012-2015  Petaluma Animal Shelter 
UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Davis, CA  (​asmith@petalumaanimalsh
  elter.org​, (707)778-7387)  
Intern 2011-2012 
Michigan State University Veterinary Medical Center,  
East Lansing, Michigan   

Education 
 
University of California Davis, Davis, California 
Doctors in Veterinary Medicine, 2014-2018 (4.0 GPA) 
Master’s in Animal Science, 2012-2014 (4.0 GPA) 
Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan  
Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science, 1998-2012 (4.0 GPA) 

Skills 

Excellent public relations, communication, and interpersonal 

skills. Excellent diagnostic skills and ability to implement 
effective treatment plans for quick and economic recovery. 
Strong quantitative and analytical skills. Ability to work quickly 
and effectively under pressure.Experience in organizing and 
fostering community involvement and activities. 
 
Aaron Junnila

Mrs. Gardner

English 10 H / Period 4

26 March 2018

Reflection

For purposes of this research, I thought it would be a good idea to solicit knowledge from local businesses if

possible. This way, if I were lucky enough to establish a connection with a reputable person and/or establishment, they

could continue to serve as a promising resource in the future when I have further inquiries in regard to my area of

study.

I have always wanted to volunteer at an animal hospital, so I decided to look into contacting one that was near

me. Since I was on Spring Break, I thought I might even be able to visit the hospital and sit down and talk to someone

in person. Unfortunately, the first hospital I called was not very receptive to say the least. The person whom I spoke

with was not very friendly and when I asked if I could please talk to the vet there and/or ask a few questions, she said

no and that I should call UC Davis. I was discouraged, but decided to give another local hospital a call. I am so glad

that I did! I called the Central Animal Hospital in downtown Petaluma. I talked to their receptionist who was pleasant

and helpful. She asked me to read her all the questions I wanted answered and said she would relay them to the Dr. The

very next day, the head Veterinarian, Dr. Matthew Carter, sent me a highly informational (and quite lengthy)! email

detailing where and how long he went to school, what his area of study was, how many hours he worked per week, and

so much more! He gave me insight and advice and stated that being interested and pursuing a career in Veterinary

didn’t mean I necessarily had to take all classes that are related to animals in college. This was surprising information

to me as I had always believed after completing my general education, that I would have to take only classes related to

Veterinary Science. He stated that science and related classes in college would be greatly helpful in my advancements

in becoming a vet, but that classes like communication and sociology were equally important. Dr. Carter stated that

being able to empathize and connect with pet owner’s is tremendously helpful when it comes to being successful.

Another interesting and helpful thing that Dr. Carter shared with me was the time and workload that a

Veterinarian takes on each day. Dr. Carter told me that on surgery days, he schedules up to 4 patients. He shared that
performing extensive surgeries on multiple animals takes patience, focus and pristine expertise. This really made me

think of what a great responsibility it would be knowing the fate of someone’s loved one is in your hands. He also

stated how important it was to stay healthy in mind and body as he works forty to fifty hours on an average week and

has a huge responsibility to the pet owners and the pets that he treats. Another surprising fact that he shared was that as

a vet you have to also balance ​other responsibilities such as staff training and other business management; it’s not just

about treating animals!

Dr. Carter also shared that he was an undergraduate for three years, and he went to Veterinary school for four

years. This was surprising to me because I had thought that Veterinary School was a two year commitment. He also

provided me details in regard to his college experience. Dr. Carter listed colleges that provided exemplary veterinary

classes, such as UC Davis and Michigan State University. I have previously looked into colleges offer veterinary

classes, but could not find student reviews of those classes. Dr. Carter spoke very highly of his experience at UC

Davis; he described the campus as beautiful and the teachers as friendly mentors.

Dr. Carter provided me an abundance of information and insight in regard to becoming a veterinarian. As a

result, I was able to form my own thoughts and truly process all that it will entail in order to become a successful

veterinarian. The information he provided me, including his experiences, has further peaked my interest into becoming

a veterinarian myself. I found his information tremendously helpful, as I feel as if I now have a more authentic

representation of what becoming and being a veterinarian actually entails. I feel fortunate to have connected with such

a generous and proficient veterinarian who has inspired me to continue down my path of becoming a veterinarian with

a new found sense of direction and knowledge.