Local hero Vlad Link delivers inspiring message to CHS students
By Cary Shuman
U.S. Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman Vlad Link completed a whirlwind visit to his hometown by speaking to Chelsea High School students in the school auditorium.
Link, who was part of the Navy’s medical dive and recovery team for the historic Artemis II space mission, had earlier received the Key to The City from City Manager Fidel Maltez and had been honored by the Massachusetts House of Representatives, a recognition ceremony organized by his friend, Rep. Judith Garcia.
And following his speaking engagement, Link, one of Chelsea High’s foremost alumni, was presented a world-famous Chelsea Clock – a glorious gift of achievement – by Maltez, Garcia, and Supt. of Schools Dr. Almi Abeyta on behalf of a proud city.
Link’s message to the enthralled students was inspiring and uplifting.
“Some of you are going to do great things in the future,” said Link. “You might build something, you might create something. Who knows? You may build things for the moon. But whatever you’re into, I can tell you, always be passionate, be a part to it, share your dreams. It’s okay to dream big, no matter what it is. Some of you may want to be businessmen or businesswomen, scientists, engineers, teachers. Everyone has a purpose. If you want to be a schoolteacher, it’s very important to create that next generation. Believe in yourself.”
Link began his talk by saying humbly, “Good morning. I’m Vlad Link. I’m from Chelsea.”
That introduction drew hearty applause from the students.
“I was sitting in those seats, just like you,” said Link. “I was in the drama club and enjoyed robotics. I loved science. I played sports – basketball, track and football. All of you have that same opportunity. Dream big. Never stop dreaming. And I continue to say this, it takes hard work. You have to work hard to achieve your goals. As Rep. Garcia said, ‘this school produces high-caliber people.’”
Link said he grew up on Marlborough Street, “and it was not an easy street in which to grow up.”
After graduating high school in 2006, Link said he took a year off and then joined the U.S. Navy.
Twenty years later, Vlad Link returned to Chelsea to tell his amazing story. As Fidel Maltez told the students in his introductory remarks, “Vlad Link is no stranger to the challenges that we all face and he ended up being one of the best of the best, not in this state, not in the country, but in the entire world. It’s been a pleasure to hear his story because it’s a story of immigrants, a story of coming into this country, and believing in yourself and overcoming challenges.”
Link said he “was overwhelmed with happiness” when the astronauts – Commander Reid Weisman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen – returned safely to Earth following their mission to the moon. Upon opening the space capsule in the Pacific Ocean, Link’s first words to the astronauts were: “Welcome home.” That was the warm message from Link’s own hometown during his triumphant return to this city, “Welcome home. And thank you for telling the world you are a proud son of Chelsea.”