MARYSVILLE – State Sen. Kirk Pearson was the perfect guest speaker for Andrea France’s class.

Pearson, R-Monroe, personified “perseverance” and “grit” and “getting back on track academically,” she said. He spoke about his education and career to France’s AVID classes this week. France’s goal was to show that even successful people struggle in life.

The Advancement Via Individual Determination students heard other themes they have been studying, such as taking advantage of opportunities, believing in self and volunteering.

“There are big themes no matter what our career choices,” France said.

Pearson talked about being interested in politics since the fourth grade, when his grade school had a mock election during the Nixon-Humphrey race. In high school he made “some promises he shouldn’t have” but was elected junior class president and as a senior he was student body president, graduating from Monroe High School in 1977. He went to Wenatchee Valley Community College and majored in “football.” He then went to Central Washington University and continued to struggle academically after getting married and finding a job.

“If you go to college do it early on. If you try to go back it’s hard,” he said. He can’t regret not finishing. “Family was first for us.”

Pearson volunteered for various boards and committees before running for state representative in 1992.

“I never ran a campaign before. I didn’t know how to do it,” he said.

He did a lot of doorbelling, managed to raise $75,000 and just barely lost to Hans Dunshee.

Two years later he ran again, but that time lost in the primary. “I was devastated. You invest a lot of self in campaigns,” he said.

Years later he ran again. At the first count he was down 1,500 votes, and many supporters left. “You find out who your friends are.”

But when the next numbers were released he pulled ahead to stay.

He was in the House for 12 years, and is in his fourth year in the Senate.

Pearson said he knows his career could end anytime.

“I’ve lost twice before. It’s not earth shattering. It could happen anytime. It’s the danger of politics. Life goes on,” he said.

Pearson, 57, said even if he lost he still would want to be involved, volunteering somewhere. “I love doing things for other people.”

Pearson said a person has to have a thick skin to be in politics. “Don’t take things personally,” he said. “People say horrible things. You have to forgive and go on.”

He said those lawmakers are not partisan, “like you see on TV. There’s only 49 in the Senate, so we have to work together.”

He said there are a number of bills he doesn’t like at first, but by working together they can often find things they can agree to.

A low percentage of bills are passed so to get them through the process he has to remember, “It’s not about me.. When you’re thinking about other people you’re not thinking about yourself,” he said.

Pearson said he’s not in politics for the money, as he makes just $45,000 a year.

“If you love what you’re doing who cares?” he said.

France said she invited Pearson because he is local and makes decisions on bills effecting schools. The class researched and asked questions about his bills.

“It puts a face to the issues important to us,” she said.