Shawn Dhanak
Humanities Pre-Law, 2010
Shawn Dhanak
overperformed in some of the most
BA – Humanities Pre-Law, 2010
conservative counties in this region.
Regional Director
In politics you must be able to relate
Stabenow for U.S. Senate
Independent political contractor
Lansing/Grand Rapids/Flint,
Michigan
to a wide variety of perspectives and
views. I take pride in the fact that I
can, even though I may not always
agree with someone, connect and
The well-rounded education one
begin to build mutual trust in an
receives from the College of Arts
often trust-void industry.
and Letters prepared me for
I advise students to get active in
two very difficult and draining
professional assignments.
the community. Not only because I
highly value community service and
After returning from teaching
so do prospective employers, but
English in France in 2011, I was asked
it’s also a great way to network and
to step into politics for a cause
meet people. It helps to broaden
celebre. The progressive community
your perspective.
had targeted several Republican
If you want to pursue a career
seats for recall, and I managed
the first successful recall of a
sitting member of the legislature
in 28 years. Shortly thereafter, I
was recruited to be regional field
director for U.S. Senator Debbie
Stabenow’s re-election campaign.
On election night, Senator Stabenow
8
in politics, make sure you are
passionate about creating change.
Politics and issue advocacy can
often be frustrating. But if you are
truly passionate about pushing for
what you believe, it’s a ton of fun
and very fulfilling.