Benenden Sixth Formers were delighted to hear from travel writer, author and filmmaker Simon Parker last week, who reflected on his extraordinary life and career as part of the School’s speaker series.
Arriving in time to chat to students over a delicious Benenden supper, Mr Parker took to the Theatre stage to discuss his journey from unfocused teen to passionate explorer.
Following his youthful ambition to visit every country on the planet – starting in New Zealand with just a tent and a telescopic fishing rod – Simon discussed forging a career for himself in journalism and travel writing that aligned with his personal goals, working with the likes of The Sunday Times, the BBC and The Daily Telegraph.
He also spoke about cycling 4,000 miles across the US ‘on the eve of the 2024 election’ for his new book, A Ride Across America, which he has recently been promoting and which he signed copies of for Benenden students and staff in attendance.
During a question and answer session, details came to light of Mr Parker’s favourite country (Peru) and his preference for wide open spaces over cities, as well as his most recent project. As a new father, Mr Parker is now working on a novel that will keep him closer to home.
Reflecting on his own journey and where his passions have taken him, he urged students to pursue the things that mean most to them personally.
“Whatever it is in your lives that gives you that same sense of awe,” he said, “be it sport, or books, or music, or science, or maths… then I implore you to set your sights high. Higher than even you think is possible. Because with hard graft and desire, I can assure you that you will be able to achieve those dreams.”