Albert Lea eighth- and ninth-graders received a message of hope and inspiration Tuesday afternoon from a nationally known motivational speaker.

Marc Mero, a retired boxer and professional wrestler, spoke to audience members in the Albert Lea High School auditorium with a passionate tone, describing his upward and downward spirals through athletic and monetary success, as well as substance and alcohol abuse.

Mero told the audience to be empathetic when speaking with peers.

“We all have an impact on each other’s lives, whether positive or negative,” he said.

Mero described his addiction to drugs and alcohol and falling in with the wrong crowd.

“We become who we surround ourselves with,” Mero said. “Your friends are like elevators, they will either take you up or down.”

He urged the students to set high goals and write them down. He said failure is not about aiming too high and failing, but aiming too low and succeeding.

He told the audience his story of being bullied for the clothes he wore in school, and said that your monetary value doesn’t measure the worth of your life.

“It’s not about what’s in your pocket that matters, it’s what’s in your heart that matters,” Mero said.

Mero recounted the passing of his father, mother, brother and sister, and told the audience he still carries regrets from how he treated them.

“We are defined by our choices, and sometimes we get another chance — sometimes,” he said.

Mero urged the students to tell someone if they are getting bullied.

“Please, please talk to somebody,” he said. “Nobody has the right to belittle you day after day, month after month.”

Albert Lea High School Assistant Principal Jeff Halverson hoped the presentation would help students.

“I think any chance we have to provide students with a positive message and some direction is a good thing,” Halverson said.

Mero is the founder of Champion of Choices, a nonprofit organization that spreads an anti-bullying, substance abuse and suicide prevention message. He was also slated to speak at Glenville-Emmons High School Tuesday.