West Virginia delegate: Saira Blair.

• Position: THE FINAL WORD - Interview

Republican Delegate Saira Blair at age 18 is West Virginia's--and the nation's--youngest legislator. She was elected in November 2014 to a seat formerly held by her father, Craig Blair, who is now serving in the state senate.

How does it feel to be the youngest legislator in the country?

I forget unless somebody brings it up. When I'm down in Charleston it doesn't really have that big an effect on me and when I'm at school or with my friends I'm not thinking about it much. It is an honor, but I'm more focused on getting the job done.

What made you run for office?

I participated in a program my junior year of high school called the Youth Leadership Association's Youth in Government and it brought about 300 high school students to our Capitol in Charleston. We wrote a bill, presented it in committee and really followed the exact legislative process. After that weekend I came home and told my parents about what an amazing time it was and how I didn't want to leave. Since then I've been working toward my goal I've had from the beginning-- creating jobs for the people of West Virginia and my generation.

How do you encourage your generation to get more involved in politics?

I think there is a mindset that regardless of age, only people with the right connections, the right experience and a lot of education can hold a public office. My father didn't have any political connections when he ran. He's a certified plumber and electrician and doesn't have a college education. But he's accomplished a lot. I hope I encourage anyone who is fearful of running because they don't think they will be taken seriously or they don't think that they will be able to hold their own.

How has it been to juggle being a college student and a legislator at the same time?

I actually think that it's easier for me than it is for a regular student or a regular legislator. I was able to defer my spring semester in order to serve. I can take summer classes so I don't feel I'm missing out on any material.

How does it feel to be thrown into the spotlight? Do you have a media strategy?

The day after I won my primary election, I had no clue what to expect. I was not prepared for the amount of media I was getting. After my primary, I had to hire two people to help me handle the media. They made appointments, helped me decide which ones to go on...