Iowa’s Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds spoke with the President’s Leadership Class at the Knoll Tuesday about politics, leadership and beginning a career in government.

The President’s Leadership Class consists of 30 first-year ISU students: 15 men and 15 women. They are invited to apply by ISU President Gregory Geoffroy based on leadership activities they were involved with in high school. Applicants are then hand-picked by Geoffroy and his wife, Kathleen.

“We learn everything from leadership skills and how to build resumes to dinner etiquette,” said Mary Hallman, an adviser for the class last year and junior in kinesiology and health. “[Geoffroy] picks you based on your application and how much you would benefit from the class.”

Reynolds began by talking about how she got started. In high school, Reynolds dove into as many different activities as she could.

“Opportunities come when you get involved.” Reynolds said. “Any time you have to go out of your comfort zone, even when it’s scary, I think that’s when we grow as individuals.”

Reynolds never graduated from college, though she attended Northwest Missouri State University. Reynolds said this has always been something she is uncomfortable talking about.

“I’m setting up classes right now in order for me to finish,” Reynolds said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I will [finish].”

Reynolds started her career as a clerk in the Clarke County Treasurer’s Office before being elected as Clarke County Treasurer in 1994. Reynolds held this position until being elected to the Iowa Senate in 2008. In June 2010, Reynolds was named Gov. Terry Branstad’s running mate.

“I’ve never been one to plan out my life,” Reynolds said. “I never anticipated I would be Lt. Governor, but I’m honored.”

Reynolds is disappointed that Iowa will be losing a seat in Congress.

“We’re going from five to four seats and I hate to see that happen,” Reynolds said. “That’s why [Branstad] and I are pushing for focusing on growing the economy.”

Reynolds said the Iowa Legislature is committed to creating an environment in Iowa with high-paying jobs in an effort to keep young people in the state once they’re ready to begin their careers.

Reynolds’s proactive attitude sometimes makes politics disappointing for her.

“I like to see things happen,” Reynolds said. “It’s one of my biggest problems with government because the pace can be slow. You want to make things happen but you just can’t. You just have to prioritize.”

Reynolds said that one of the most difficult things in politics is to say “no” to ideas.

“It’s not easy saying no when you understand all the hard work that they’ve done for their project,” Reynolds said. “I’ve been on both sides of that.”

Reynolds also addressed students’ concerns with the recent budget cuts she and Branstad have proposed for education.

“It’s a shared sacrifice,” Reynolds said. “[Gov. Branstad and I] felt that it was extremely important that long term revenue and expenditures match.”

Reynolds’s advice for anyone interested in politics is simply to get involved.

“That goes for both sides,” Reynolds said. “Pick a candidate you’re interested in and you can learn a lot about policy and the election process.”

Reynolds also suggested to simply run for office.

“Most people start out in politics because they want to make a difference,” Reynolds said. “You need to represent your own issues and not try to let someone else define it for you.”