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Garrett Shetrawski's '16 Political Science Major Proves Useful on the Campaign Trail

In recent months, sophomore Garret Shetrawski (political science ’16) has become increasingly well known across both campus and the state. At just 19 years old, Shetrawski is running in the upcoming Massachusetts State Representative race for the Second Worcester District seat. Shetrawski, a Republican from Winchendon, is trying to unseat Democrat Jon Zlotnik, who has held the position since 2012.

Despite his young age, Shetrawski has several years of experience in leadership roles on other campaigns in his district. He was an aide for the 2012 state representative race in the district and a campaign manager for a candidate running for mayor in the district’s biggest city. More recently, he was the central and western Massachusetts field director for Dan Winslow in the 2013 US Senate race. However, after years of contributing in the background of other’s campaigns, Shetrawski is seeking to take on a more active role.

“We are lucky enough to blessed with the chance to take part in our government. Everyone has an opinion on an issue, but some would rather complain than actually taking initiative to fix it. I love being involved, and always looking for ways to find answers to issues that will make people's lives better,” says Shetrawski

In fact, his desire to engage with fellow community members and understand other’s political perspectives is what caused him to major in political science.

“I enjoy studying, and learning about politics,” says Shetrawski, “It is one of the few majors that inspires debate, and I enjoy hearing other individuals thoughts, and opinions on issues.”

The Political Science major has also had a part in preparing Shetrawski for his campaign. Specifically, Shetrawski refers to the knowledge he learned in his favorite class, Representative Vega’s “Massachusetts Politics from the Campaign Trail to Beacon Hill,” as particularly useful during the campaign due to rep. Vega’s experience on campaigns and the insightful guest speakers.

Although being both a student and a candidate will require strategic time management, Shetrawski is certain that the experience will not hurt his studies. Rather, he believes that the experience of balancing a busy schedule, sticking to a budget, dealing with the press and engaging with a variety of people will provide him with invaluable skills that transcend beyond the classroom and campaign trail.

Overall, Shetrawski’s desire to run as candidate is largely connected to his desire to engage with people and his innate capacity for leadership. Within the UMass community, he is currently a brother at the Theta Chi Fraternity and actively involved in the UMass College Republicans. In addition to his academic and political responsibilities, Shetrawski has been writing a book about WWII in the Pacific Theatre and has interviewed over 200 veterans across the country. Moreover, as the fifth and sixth generation to live in his district, Shetrawski continues to pursue opportunities that allow him to build strong relationships with community members. From being a 3-sport varsity captain in high school to the current chairman of the Winchendon Republican Town Committee, Sketrawski has pursued experiences in the community that have sharpened his leadership skills and highlighted his passion for people.

Ultimately, Shetrawski believes that passion, determination and quality of character are significant determinants of successful on the campaign trail and, more generally, in life.

“If you want something and have a passion for it, then pursue it,” urges Shetrawski, “Believe in yourself it is the most important. Always be involved, and try to learn as much as you can.”

- Maire Callanan '14

News Type: 

  • Student News