The state's highest-ranking female politician praised the value of political participation in a speech at the Institute of Politics Wednesday, telling the few students who braved the rain that politics can be one of the most rewarding professions.

"You have the overwhelming power to impact people's lives every day," said Lt. Gov. Jane Swift, who in 1991, at age of 25, became the youngest woman ever elected to the Massachusetts State Senate.

Swift said she received her first exposure to politics early in life, when her father was the campaign manager for a state senator.

"I was the cute kid in parades waving and smiling," she said.

She said her parents' active involvement in the community led her to look into a career in the public sector.

In 1996, Glamour magazine named her as one of "Eleven Women Who Could Change the Country." Two years later, Swift was elected as lieutenant governor.

During her tenure, Swift said she has focused on issues of education reform and economic development.

She lauded low unemployment numbers in Massachusetts, saying it is one of the best states in which to live or start a business.