Story submitted by Devon Rudolph, Editor-in-Chief, Valor Dictus, at Robinson Secondary School. 

NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren returned to Robinson Secondary School to speak to students on March 31. Lindgren–a Robinson graduate–talked about his career at NASA, and the advice he would give students aspiring to reach their dreams. 

“People will tell you that [some] things are impossible; you will convince yourself that things are impossible,” he said. However, “Part of what NASA does is to make the impossible possible.” 

Initially inspired by science fiction stories, Lindgren knew he wanted to pursue a future in the space field from the second grade. At Robinson, he advised the students to pursue their dream career. “Be the best at what you’re doing right now,” said Lindgren. “Here and now is what’s important.” 

Lindgren attended Robinson Secondary School beginning in his sophomore year. He described Robinson as an integral part of his journey. “It gave me a foundational launch pad for my dreams and set me on a trajectory that has come full circle, so that I am able to come back here and share with you all today,” he said.  

After graduating from Robinson in 1991, Lindgren continued on to the Air Force Academy, then Colorado State University, graduating with a master’s in cardiovascular physiology. While at the Air Force Academy, he was medically discharged due to asthma. Lindgren spoke about his struggles after being dismissed, and his three pillars of success: hard work, teamwork, and kindness. 

Lindgren spent a total of 311 days in space over two separate missions. During that time, he faced many new experiences and challenges. Launching the first time, however, Lindgren remembers having no fear. He attributes this to his extensive training and trust in his team. “Fear is our reaction to the unknown,” he said. “We spend time training … so that in just about every situation we could encounter … we know how to deal with those situations.”

Four NASA astronauts were chosen to participate in a new mission to the moon just a few days after the inspiring presentation at Robinson. NASA administrator Bill Nelson, who was also at the event, spoke about the importance of this journey. 

“It’s all a part of our venturing out into the cosmos,” said Nelson. “That we go back to the moon, after a half century, not just to go to the moon…[but] to go back, to learn, to live, to invent, to create… in order to go to Mars and further.”

Lindgren left students with the message to dream without limitations. 

“Take advantage of the opportunities you have here [at Robinson],” said Lindgren. “Dream big … our future looks bright.”