By Ryan Lynch
Jack Gelinas isn’t your average college student; by day, he’s balancing important work at his demanding job at Congressman Richard Neal’s Office and busy attending classes at Western New England University, and by night, he’s leading his rugby team to victory.
Gelinas, a senior and captain and president of the Western New England University rugby team, radiates quiet confidence while balancing a difficult academic, work, and sports schedule.
Gelinas took the role of captain/president the beginning of his junior year; a responsibility that extends far beyond the field. Gelinas said, “I oversee the budget, submit paperwork, hire officials and EMTs, and handle meetings with the conference.”
His journey to playing rugby started the first day he was on campus. Inspired by his father, who played rugby at the University of Massachusetts, Gelinas decided to follow in his footsteps, along with his passion for sports. From a young age, Gelinas thrived in competitive settings, making rugby a natural fit for continuing his athletic career in college while pursuing higher education.
In addition to leading Western New England University’s rugby team, Gelinas takes his academics seriously. As a double major in law society and political science, Gelinas has maintained a 3.97 cumulative grade point average. Balancing rigorous coursework and team commitments requires remarkable time management skills.
When asked how he manages to balance it all, Gelinas said, “eating well, getting good sleep, and exercising regularly, I would say helps. Just taking care of my body and health.”
In addition to his academic and athletic achievements, Gelinas has become a mentor to younger teammates, guiding them through the challenges of balancing sports and studies. He believes in leading by example, showing others that with perseverance and a strong work ethic, anything is achievable. His commitment to personal growth and helping those around him reflects the values instilled in him by his family. In fact, rugby wasn’t the only passion he learned from his father.
Gelinas is interested in becoming a lawyer. His father is a third-generation lawyer, and his mother is a dedicated local politician who also actively works to make a difference in their community.
Gelinas recently completed the LSAT, an emissions exam that determines eligibility for law school. Gelinas received an impressive score of 161, with the average score being 151, positioning himself as a strong candidate for free tuition to many law schools, although he hopes to continue his studies here. “I’m seriously considering Western New England [University] as one of my choices to go.” He said our university feels like a second home to him, with a supportive community that encourages him to do his best.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in law and several relatives practicing as lawyers, has had a profound influence on Gelinas’s career choice.
While balancing academics and athletics throughout his college career, Gelinas continues to serve an important role in Congressman Neal’s office in Springfield. Gelinas works twenty-four hours a week, where he handles case studies, mostly focused on immigration.
This job has been an eye-opening experience for Gelinas. It has shown him how complicated government systems can be and how government offices operate. Every case he works on teaches him something new and gives him more experience to follow a career in administrative law, the type of law Gelinas hopes to practice in the future.
Gelinas’s journey shows how important it is to have balance, stay disciplined, and follow your passions. Whether he’s leading his rugby team, excelling in his classes, or working at the Congressman’s Office, Gelinas puts his all into everything he does. His story proves that being open to challenges and staying focused can help anyone grow and succeed.
In the weeks leading up to graduation, you might spot Gelinas around campus when he’s not working or leading his rugby team. Don’t hesitate to say hello, since he’s not only accomplished, but also a genuinely great person who’s always willing to have a friendly conversation to help anyone.
