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Pelowski, a fourth-year political science major and English minor at Winona State University, had the chance to meet with Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. John Kerry at the FedEx terminal of the Rochester, Minn., airport.
Pelowski, a Democrat and son of state Rep. Gene Pelowski, DFL-Winona, said he was star-struck when he laid eyes on Kerry last Wednesday.
"I was just in a daze," he said. "The whole experience felt like it only lasted two or three seconds."
Father and son made the trek to Rochester after a political adviser for Kerry notified the Pelowskis that he would be in town.
"The whole way there I was trying to think of something to say or ask him, but I just couldn't think of anything," Pelowski said.
He said he had butterflies in his stomach while he was waiting for Kerry. When Kerry finally arrived and approached him, Pelowski said, his mind went blank.
"I was just shaking his hand and smiling," he said.
In their short conversation together, Kerry asked Pelowski what he was studying in school. Kerry told him to continue his education in the political science field.
"He told me to stay on course and wished me the best of luck," Pelowski said.
He asked Kerry to autograph a Time magazine edition with his picture on the cover. The issue is now at his home, wrapped in plastic.
Pelowski said Kerry was genuine, down to earth and casual during the meeting. The Pelowskis were joined by a dozen other people at the airport, including the Mayor of Rochester, Ardell Bredea, and area business leaders and politicians.
Pelowski said Kerry's bodyguards kept their distance, but a watchful eye, on the senator. Kerry and vice-presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards' "Stronger America" airplane was on site.
Though meeting with Kerry was an unforgettable experience, he's not the only politician Pelowski has met. Along with local politicians, Pelowski met former President Bill Clinton in 1996 at a hotel in the Twin Cities. Pelowski, who has been involved in politics his entire life and has seen it firsthand through his father, said he finds politicians interesting.
Pelowski said he and his father were glad they had the chance to meet with Kerry, even if it was for only a few minutes.
"It was a memorable experience and I'll remember it forever," Pelowski said.
