5 Questions with Matthew Loftis
November 12, 2014
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Senior Matthew Loftis tells about his experience shadowing a veterinarian at a local clinic over the summer and why he would like to pursue a similar career.
Q1: What about this career captivated you?
A1: I’m extremely interested in anything to do with zoology, animal physiology, animal medicine/rehabilitation, and ecology. The opportunity to volunteer at a local clinic was my best/closest chance I could get to partaking in my interest. The sheer amount of technology and medicinal practices as well as being able to observe first hand animal anatomy drew me to this opportunity.
Q2: Who was it that you shadowed? What were your first impressions and how did they compare to your expectations?
A2: I shadowed a doctor of veterinary medicine who has been practicing for over 20 years at a local clinic. My first impressions were how stressful this job could be, and it is VERY stressful. Whether it be interacting with sometimes hostile, naive owners or the fact that one mistake can endanger the lives of staff or animal.
Q3: What was the most appealing aspect of the job?
A3: Besides being able to partake in my interest, the most appealing part of the job was seeing the amount of gratitude and thankfulness the doctor and staff received through gifts or just clients who kept coming back.
Q4: When did you know this is what you wanted to do?
A4: Although I’ve always appreciated animals and nature, I was never set on working in that field. I just jumped on the limited offer of being able to work with a staff dedicated to working with some of my interest.
Q5: Where do you plan on going to school? Why?
A5: As I have been applying for college, I’ve been trying to apply to places that offer the most exposure to field biology/ecology like Humboldt State, located in the middle of the forest, or San Diego, which has access to multiple nature reserves and animal rehab establishments and hopefully the local UCs to get the best education I can manage.

During her spare time, Spence loves to listen to One Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer. Spence’s elective of choice was to join the school’s Jazz/Marching Band, where plays the trumpet and is the section leader. She is also Vice President of the Sprench club. Besides school, she is part of a family of five and is half English and half Caribbean. Last but not least, she hopes to study in England in the future.

She does plan to go to college, but she is still not sure what she wants to major in.
She does know that she wants to go to a Cal-State or community college, but for now she is trying to enjoy her senior year. “I like all my classes; I just hope to least pass with As and Bs,” Rosales stated. Although Rosales’ focus is on school, she enjoys reading; her favorite books are Looking for Alaska and If I Stay. She also likes to take pictures daily to improve on her photography skills. “I know I am on the right track,” she said “I just don’t want to make a mistake.” On another note, she definitely want, to go to prom with friends or a date, but that is only of many memories she will make. As Rosales works hard to stay on the right track, she also plans to make this last year her best. Rosales has a bright future ahead and she plans on getting there with hard work.
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