Setting big goals and facing big challenges have always been part of life for Michigan State University senior Kalil Olsen. An East Lansing native, Olsen is an accomplished pianist and mellophone player who achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a member of the Spartan Marching Band his freshman year.

“Growing up, I struggled with being on the autism spectrum and with ADHD, auditory processing disorder and sensory integration disorder,” says Olsen, an information science major. “Struggles with various health conditions affect my life daily. Despite the many challenges I have faced, MSU has helped to teach me the skills necessary to fail forward and achieve my goals.”

While it isn’t easy, Olsen has a lot to be proud of.

“I love that I have a drive and a passion for many different areas in my life. I am most proud of how far I’ve come as a person, a student, a leader and as a musical athlete during my time at MSU.”