26 August 2016
On Wednesday 24 August 2016, Pearly Ingkakul, (Class of 2004) delivered an inspirational Travers Morphett Lecture to guests and the girls from Years 9 – 12.
This was the seventh lecture in this series named in honour of the founders of the School, Miss Isobel Travers and Miss Audrey Morphett.
The series was inaugurated in 2010 to commemorate the School’s 75th anniversary, and is designed to showcase members of the Fahan alumni who have gone on to become leaders in their fields.
Previous speakers have included sociologist, Dr Catherine Robinson, actor, Robyn Nevin AM, singer, Judith Durham OAM, biologist, Dr Margaret Davies OAM, TV producer and creator, Posie Graeme-Evans and author Rachael Treasure.
In the years since graduating from Fahan in 2004, Pearly has forged a successful career in Thailand and in 2015 was invited to be on the cover of Forbes Thailand as the youngest out of four top business women. She was also featured in Forbes 30 under 30 as a noteworthy Swiss Alumna. She mentors many young leaders and joined with the Governor of Bangkok to bring the One Young World Summit to Bangkok in 2015.
Several generations of Fahan girls heard Pearly speak openly and honestly about her life experiences since leaving Fahan and how she created opportunities for herself through perseverance and self-belief.
“What I’m going to do is talk to you, Fahan Girl to Fahan Girl,” said Pearly.
She explained how her time at Fahan had helped her to stay grounded and given her the confidence to fight hard for what she believed in.
“I’m not going to reach my full potential until I get out of my comfort zone,” said Pearly.
She explained how the friendships she made at the School had boosted her confidence, even at the most challenging times of her life, particularly as she fought against the odds to bring the One Young World Summit to Thailand.
Pearly regaled the audience with personal stories revealing, how, through her involvement with One Young World, she finally understood the meaning of the Mark Twain quotes from her father that she heard frequently throughout her childhood, “The two most important days in your life are first, the day you were born, second, the day you find out why,” she said.
Pearly spoke of her experiences since leaving Fahan and delivered a significant message to the girls on the importance of believing in yourself, persevering and continuing to seek new challenges. “Once you believe you are successful you stop learning”, was a particularly salient piece of advice for the girls from Pearly.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for our girls to be inspired and encouraged by the achievements of our former students,” said Fahan School Principal, Mr Tony Freeman.
Pearly’s talk resonated with the Senior girls, “Pearly was so relatable, she made us think about our own experiences in Year 12 coming to an end and what we can do to make the most of it,” said Deputy Head Girl, Jemima Barker.
