I’m State Representative Rylee Linting. I represent Michigan’s 27th House District.

Welcome to Virtual intern Experience.

When I first decided to run for office, I was 21 years old, so I filed at 21. I won my election at 22, I’m now 23. And when you are the youngest member of the state legislature, you have that experience of watching people your age leave the state for better opportunity to raise families. And so, as someone who’s always lived in Michigan and just loves the state of Michigan, I want to make sure that this state is a place where myself and my future children can stay, find success, raise a family. And so that was kind of my inspiration when it came to running for office.

Being one of the youngest State Representatives

Walking into this building. I mean, the architecture of the Capitol is just stunning. And no matter how old you are or who you are, it can be a surreal moment taking office. But as Michigan’s youngest representative, you walk into the building and there are very few people your age here, but with that comes a responsibility to really represent your generation in a positive light. And so initially it was a little bit intimidating, but walking in with your best foot forward is so important. And that’s exactly what I did. And I am almost one full year into my first term.

Overcoming Doubts

Any career that you’re going into at a young age can be extremely intimidating and it can be difficult to battle the voices that, you know, you’re too young, you’re inexperienced, whatever the voice in your head may be. But the most important thing is remembering that you are capable and just having trust in yourself that you are here for a reason and putting your best foot forward is the only thing you can do. 

How to be taken seriously as a young person
 

One of the biggest challenges that someone would face because of their age is honestly just being taken seriously in the field that they’re in. And so that was my biggest challenge, was how can I get people to take me seriously? And for me, that was really just putting myself out there, running for office, involved a lot of door to door. So, I was going door to door from sunrise to sunset every single day knocking on people’s doors. And I talked to so many people who I think that initially was a concern for them. And then after I had that one-on-one conversation and was able to hear what they were looking for out of their representative, as well as what some of my goals were, I know that really eased their concerns. And also, I was able to prove myself as a leader and someone who was professional. I think the biggest thing is just continue to be yourself. Work hard to be professional, and you’ll prove yourself within with time.

Working with other generations

I think it’s so amazing to have so many different generations. And I think that really allows us to do our jobs to the best of our ability. I’m the youngest and I think the oldest member of our caucus is 73. But when we sit on our committees, we each just have such a unique and different perspective that really allows us to craft policy to the best of our ability. And so, I sit on education and workforce. Well, I am Michigan’s most recent product of public education in the State House. So, I can provide a more firsthand experience where other people can provide maybe some institutional knowledge when it comes to a particular policy.

Communicating effectively

The biggest thing to learn about communication, having patience, listening, is that you aren’t going to effectively communicate your stance to someone if you don’t understand where they’re at, understand who you’re talking to. And that way you can really alter and refine how you want to deliver your message so that you are understood in the way that you hope to be.

Managing pressure and staying grounded

It’s very easy to let things in life determine your ups and downs. And so one of the biggest things that I do in practice is I try my best, I’m not always perfect, but I try my best not to let worldly things really dictate my ups and downs and try and remain just constant and in and steady and just whatever your foundation is like, mine is personally my faith. And so that keeps me grounded. I think the biggest thing is when you remain grounded, you’re always willing to learn. If you, you know, become too big for your britches, you might think that you know it all. And the reality is, no matter who you are and where you are, you do not know it all. And there’s always something to learn. And so, stay grounded and always know that there are more things to learn. 

Finding growth through mentorship

Family is so important to me. And so really my family is someone who has really guided me through this journey. Of course, there are people in the political world that I’ve met along the way who’ve been great mentors, and I do think it’s important to find those people. But make sure that when you find a mentor that can guide you in the right direction, you still have a mind of your own and are able to discern right from wrong yourself. And so, I would say don’t have an idol but have a mentor. Have someone that you can go to and ask a question and someone that you know that you can trust, which can be hard to do, but with time you can find that person you can go to ask a question that you might be worried is dumb or stupid. And we all have those. And so, it’s really great to have someone that you can trust. You know, when you ask them your silly question, they aren’t going to think it’s silly because they remember being in your shoes before. 

Facing Fears
 

Do not let fear stop you from pursuing your goals. I think that’s something that gets in the way of a lot of young people. And it’s something that even popped into my brain when I was deciding to run for office. It was something that was a scary decision to make. And ultimately, I didn’t let that stop me from pursuing this office. But for a second, I almost did. And so, I’d say the biggest thing is put fear aside and walk into the room with confidence.

Proving yourself when others underestimate you

As a young person in any field, specifically politics, you will be underestimated at one point or another. And so, I can almost promise you that. So that’s not very settling, but what I can say is that you’ll prove yourself over time. And so, I think the biggest thing is showing up with confidence. Be a professional. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and know that you’ll prove yourself as time passes. 

Habits for success

One, not letting fear get in the way of your decision making. I would say also staying grounded. And if you’re not grounded, you’re not going to be able to recognize where you are able to grow. And no matter what field you’re in, growth is so important. I am constantly growing in this field, and I know that you will too in whatever you decide to pursue, as long as you stay grounded. 

Balancing ambition and humility

To be a successful professional at a young age, it requires a balance of ambition and humility because if you walk into a room like you know it all, no one will take you seriously because they can see through it. But you also have to have that ambition and confidence that you are supposed to be there and that you are capable. And so, I think that is incredibly important. And for me, I think the biggest thing is knowing my strengths. So, I come to Lansing each day knowing what my strengths are and knowing what my weaknesses are. And so be self-aware. Think about where you can grow and look around you and see what people can maybe help you become the professional that you desire to be because they were once in your shoes as well. And hopefully they remember that. And hopefully when you make it big time, you’ll remember that and you’ll help a young person that’s trying to get started.

Staying motivated

I think what keeps me going is having a little sister who’s seven, knowing that I want to have a family of my own one day. And so, for me, when things get difficult, it’s knowing my why. And so, know why you’re doing something. I think that’s so important. My why is my little sister, my family. And so, keep that in the back of your mind and when things get difficult, know that you can push through that and continue working. And life will have its ups and downs. So be mindful of that. Don’t expect things to be easy because they won’t be. But go into it with some grit and strength, knowing that throughout the ups and downs you’ll get through it and you’ll come out a better person because of them.

Knowing what matters to you

A lesson that I’ve learned is know what hills you want to die on. Meaning know what you want to fight for and know what maybe you should, you know, listen a little bit more to your peers and maybe meet someone in the middle. You have to fight for something otherwise people won’t take you seriously. But if you fight for everything, you won’t really have the same impact when you are fighting for something. And so, know what’s important to you and put those things first.
 

Inspiring others to pursue their dreams
 

My hope is that being Michigan’s youngest legislator can inspire another young adult out there to step into a career that is maybe their dream or a major goal of theirs, fearlessly, because I was certainly scared to step into this and I know someone else is out there maybe really nervous to step into whatever career or goals that they have in their mind for themselves. And so, I hope this can inspire someone to pursue something even though it’s scary.