Transcript: Colin Milbourn & Kingston Oliver on Finding Your Place and Leading with Purpose

Good morning, everyone, and welcome back to Late Start Show. We are here today with two seniors at University School. Colin Milburn, who's a two-sport athlete, football and basketball, who transferred to U.S. from Hawkins, and Kingston Oliver, who balances being a varsity basketball player with playing in the orchestra. How are you guys doing today?

Doing great. How are you doing? Doing good. Good to have you guys.

Let's dive right in. Colin, as we mentioned, you made the big move from Hawkins to U.S. in the middle of high school. What prompted you to transfer and what was that transition like for you since it's a unique path? Well, there were a mix of reasons why I was interested in U.S.

I wanted to look at the end of middle school just to kind of switch it up and look for, honestly, a bigger challenge for myself. And when I visited U.S., I really thought I found it. And between that and having a good experience meeting the coaches of the sports I was interested in, I thought it would be a good choice for me. Rob Markman And then Kingston, you also transitioned into university school.

Tell us a little bit about that transition. Do you remember some of the first days at US and the friends you made? Kingston Jones Yeah, so I came from Shaker Heights. And it was definitely like a, it was kind of a culture shock at first, just like because of the academic level, I guess, in comparison to Shaker. the first days were definitely, they're probably easier for me because I played soccer when I first got here.

So just meeting people like in the summer and stuff like that definitely made it a smooth transition for me. And Colin, did you also feel like you're able to kind of transition in smoothly? And what was that like? Or did it take some time?

I thought I had a pretty smooth transition actually, because I had already met a couple of people who I'm now friends with and have been friends with for years now but um also through football like Kingston I got the chance to meet a lot of people at the school pretty early on and form relationships you know U.S. is known pretty kind of strong for its community do you guys ever feel that like U.S. brotherhood and do you guys ever have an example of like classmates or teachers really just supporting you and some time of need that you guys have yeah um yeah definitely a brotherhood for sure um I mean there's probably been countless times where there's something that I haven't fully understood or you know just fully grasped like in a class or just like in life in general and like there I just like 100% had someone where I could talk to them and just feel like I can comfortably ask them to help me with whatever problem I have for sure. Kind of same thing for me there have always been people like my sponsor or close friends or Miss coy who always reach out as like figures that we can talk to and I would say as for brotherhood it's honestly unlimited support here especially between like sporting events students coming out I mean I really think we show support a lot. Do you guys each have maybe a favorite class or teacher at U.S.? I know you mentioned some of those people that have made an impact on you but So starting with you, do you have any classes or teachers that stand out, whether it's a funny one or a hard one that you grew in?

Yeah, so definitely my favorite class when I first got here was Dr. Kleisner's English class. That class was just, I mean, it was great. I mean, the way she had it oriented and all that, it was just a great class.

And then also last year I had Dr. Folds in History, and that was a really good class as well, just because he had a lot of energy, but he also got the energy out of his students, which just pushed them to participate more and truly enjoy learning in the class and stuff like that. So those were definitely my favorite classes, favorite teachers for sure. I've enjoyed Mr.

Perry's math class a lot this year. I think he understands his students, or takes the time to understand his students a lot. And I think we all really appreciate that. And I've also had Senora Godinez twice, and she's been good to me over the years.

And she's been someone else who wants to support you. You know, let's talk like activities beyond classes. Obviously, we just go to school to like do our classes and our regular load, like our schedule. But you guys obviously do a lot of different things outside.

So what do you guys both do and what's kind of been your favorite so far? I would most definitely say football. I've spent the most time with those people, and I think the bond I've gotten to make with my teammates over that time has been irreplaceable for me. Yeah, so I've definitely won group sports for me as well.

Basketball, I really love those guys. Just the trips, the games, winning, losing, all that stuff. this year and last year. It's just been really, really fun enjoying time with those guys. And then also like the clubs here as well, like Pembroke, Focus, One Love, those people have like, they've just been a great connection for me outside of sports.

Because I didn't really know many other people outside of sports beforehand before, you know, doing clubs like that. And it it definitely opened up my circle and it was just very refreshing. Meeting new people and stuff like that. What about music?

What instrument do you play? Yes, I play the cello. I played it since like probably fifth grade at Shaker because they made us play it. And I didn want to at first but I mean I kind of stuck with it So I think getting into basketball obviously it basketball season Kingston how the season been going so far for you It been going well Definitely been getting a lot more.

I've been playing a lot more than I did last year, which is, you know, it's a good thing, obviously, for me. But it's also, like, new challenges as well, just, like, carrying myself in a different light and all that. But the season's been well. It's been good.

I think we're 9-6. Yeah, 9-6 or 9-7. 9-6, 9-7. And we've been playing a tough schedule of, like, probably this part of Ohio. So I feel pretty good, pretty confident about our team.

And I've just been just really enjoying the season. We have a tough game on Friday, so just gearing up for that. You know, and, Karim, going back to football, obviously we had huge wins over Gilmore this year. This year was pretty successful in comparison to some of our last couple of years.

So what was it like to be on that winning team and to feel all that energy come from the crowd? Honestly, the crowd and the people that showed out kind of made all the difference for us. It was kind of like last year we got embarrassed and everybody showed up and we kind of owed it to the religious fans to make it up and win those big games like at Shaker and Gilmore. and those were huge momentum swings for us during our season and yeah. And then you guys are both seniors so you have some leadership roles on the teams how have you guys kind of tried to lead whether that's football or basketball as one of those seniors?

For me it's definitely been just trying to stay calm and balanced never get too high or too low in the in the big moments or the low moments and just staying the same calm and being that calming, calming present for the rest of the team. I know when I was younger, when I was a younger player in varsity, it was, it was very easy to get, you know, excited in those moments and stuff like that. But just being that presence that can, can be solid and a foundation for the rest of the players to rely on can, can definitely be helpful as a leader to have a good team. So for me, we had some other captains besides myself and some of them were like a louder presence.

So I kind of tried to find a mix and be the balance. So I tried to lead by example the best I can through play and through my actions as much just because I knew if there was a time when we needed to be loud, I knew we had other people on the team that could do so. So I just tried to focus on, uh, kind of like King, like keeping calm and keeping my composure, especially when things were difficult. And what is it about seeing, you know, obviously you're like around friends at school and that's probably a different mode than they're in at sports.

Then that's a different mode than they're in outside of school. What is it like kind of knowing those friends throughout all those different environments and like kind of seeing them in those different spaces? I mean it's great It's definitely Like you said it's definitely different In these spaces Like obviously when you're in the classroom They're still your friends But you gotta be serious And then when you're outside the classroom It's a different environment But it's just like I would say it's one of the amazing things About this school is that Everyone is pushing themselves To be their best academically And then outside of the school they're also pushing themselves to be the best physically, like better people. Better friend.

Yeah, better friend, just a better brother, better son, all that stuff. So I think that's... Like well-rounded. Yeah, that's definitely one of the good things I like.

I completely agree. Now that you guys are kind of in your senior year, it's wrapping up everything. What do you guys look forward to do in the future? Do you have any future plans?

Obviously, colleges are starting to be sent in. So what were you thinking on that front? For me, I would say definitely just like one, relaxing. We get a lot of work and we're pushed to be our best, but it's definitely tiring.

So just relaxing a little bit. Obviously don't take my foot off the gas too much, but relaxing a little bit. And then also just seeing the world a little bit. Our circles are very limited when you're in school and when you're growing up in general.

So just being able to see just the rest of the world and just understanding, you know, people more in general outside of this space. I would have to agree. I'd say junior year was definitely the most demanding academically. And this is like a good opportunity to like slow down a little bit and maybe spend a little more time with like your people how you want to.

And then as for college decisions, it's it's really exciting to get them all back. and I don't we both still know where we're gonna go yet but like Kingston I'm also just excited to see what's ahead because there's a lot of uncertainty obviously and now looking back maybe I guess putting yourself forward well what will you think you will miss most about university school and whether that's the friends teachers or just the environment I think it's a small school so I think it's really unique the way we get to know everybody that's around us versus college. I know I'm looking at some places that are way, way, way bigger than it is here. I think I'll definitely miss the feeling of just knowing everybody who's around you and being able to really know all your teachers as well. It's a pretty unique opportunity to get.

You know, now that you guys are kind of also seniors and you're looking back on all the time that you had, if you could tell a freshly new U.S. Kingstown, a freshly new U.S. college, any sort of advice or any sort of things that you would want to tell them what would you say I would say probably just rely on you know your teachers and your friends and like those support groups at U.S. Try to seek them and rely on them early on. I would say like my freshman year, it took me too long to, you know, just like just personally seek out those support groups because they're there.

They're 100 percent there. But the one thing that I struggle with probably early on was actually being proactive and seeking those support groups and stuff like that. I struggle being proactive early on as well. But I would also say like once you find your people, stick with them and spend as much time with them as you can because um like the time really does go by so quick and it didn't really feel like that junior year but as like the first semester of senior year progressed like you realize like how short of a time it really is so take advantage of it and it seems like every senior class is being in the year they say like we want to you know make this a brotherhood and have a lot of energy go to all the sports games like then the year goes on things get busy, it kind of dies down.

But I feel like you guys as a class have kind of kept that up, which is really cool for the rest of us to be a part of. But what are some things that you think has been able to let you guys do that and really be successful at creating a brotherhood and energy around, you know, your senior class and then just the school in general? I think our senior, like our class specifically has a lot of energy. And I think our focus was trying to make that contagious.

When we show excitement, then the underclassmen show excitement. And then once you can get everyone in the same space, then everyone has fun. The hardest part is just getting them there. So for things like sporting events, if you can get just a couple groups there, then people realize how much fun it is and then they'll want to stay and keep on going.

And I think that's what we got going early on in the fall. And I think that's just what's showing now too. Yeah, I would say definitely that. And just being open-minded and just enjoying the time we have here.

I feel like what separates our class from, you know, the ones preceding us was probably the fact that we're not like afraid to just enjoy the games or enjoy the moment and represent each other. And actually, we want to do that and we're constantly seeking for moments to do that. I remember when I had a concert a couple months ago I had a lot of my friends who were actually able to come and watch us play Which is something that you wouldn't think would happen Because not many people get excited about going to orchestra concerts But it's just something that people at this school, the Brotherhood It just calls you to support And that's something that we've built And we're happy for that You know, you guys have, although we've been talking about how little time you guys have left, you guys still do have a whole semester. So what are you looking forward to for the rest of the semester?

And what are some of those big events that you kind of have marked on your calendar? Definitely graduation. There's a circle on there. Definitely circle graduation as an important date. the AP exams I feel like that'll be definitely a marker of kind of the end definitely that and then something I'm looking forward to is just enjoying the time with my friends and stuff like that we're definitely all soon to be leaving and going our own path and all that and just being able to enjoy this time together I gotta agree I don't have too many huge events circled on my calendar, but I'm more so focused on like making the most of like the day-to-day stuff that we have left.

And you guys put on a pretty sweet pep rally for the fall sports. You guys have any plans for winter pep rally that you can share or those under wraps? Those might have to stay under wraps, but it won't be a disappointing one. We'll keep the energy up like last time.

Yeah, that's pretty sweet. You know, you guys, US has so many different traditions, whether or not it's like the houses or founders day looking back on all the u.s traditions what's your favorite that we do every year or like maybe even more like kind of frequently that you guys just always remember loving i love thanksgiving lunch like the family style honestly i think that's that's a time when everybody is just super excited and um i think it's a unique thing that we get to do speak of the lunches you guys got any favorites i know thanksgiving obviously probably be the number one maybe unanimous you know we did for uh what was it christmas yeah christmas one was good yeah thanksgiving one was really good uh just like yeah everything that at the end is like perfect who has better lunches us or hawking us you know thinking about kind of like socially how do you balance everything with sports and also try to keep some sort of social life with sports academics and the million other things that both of you guys do? I kind of just try to take everything in strides. So, like, if I'm doing sports, I'm just solely going to focus on that.

And I just try to, you know, block out my time for that specific thing. So if I'm in school, I'm not really focusing on, like, any other things. I'm solely focusing on my schoolwork. I'm trying to get as much work done as possible.

And then when I'm in basketball, obviously I'm not really thinking about any other things. I'm just thinking about that. And then when I get home it time with my family and stuff like that And then as soon as I done with that strictly work like not on my phone I put my phone in another room because I can work with my phone in there and then I just I kind of just block it out like that and yeah yeah I would say just being efficient with your time because you do get a lot of free time in school so like if work starts to stack up I really do think you have enough time to cut at least a good chunk out of it while you're still here and then obviously like you have to give yourself time to relax otherwise you'll you'll go crazy you'll get too stressed so that's that's when you should go see your friends and do what you want to do now moving to the family piece you know you guys obviously both have i'm sure some support from your families and that's been a big part of why you're able to be sitting here today so you guys just talk a little bit about support from your family and what that means to you guys Yeah, my parents definitely, they're definitely a strong support system for me. Always pushed me to be my best self.

I definitely got to give a huge thanks to them. My first year, like I said, it was hard just adjusting to the workload and stuff like that. And if it wasn't for them, I'd probably be in a worse predicament than I am now. So just definitely a huge gratitude to them just for sticking with me.

And they stick with me now. Like, I'm in the last semester of my senior year, and they're still yelling at me for, you know, like, missing assignments and, like, doing the dishes and stuff like that. So, you know, just definitely grateful for that support system. I'm kind of similar to Kingston, but both my sisters went to Hawkins.

My dad went to Hawkins. My mom taught there. So it was tough for me to leave there. They were a little reluctant at first, but then ultimately they supported all my choices and wanted the best for me.

And I thought that was here, and I don't regret that decision. But now that I'm here, they do continue to push me, and my sisters continue to support me. You know, you guys have both been a marker in the U.S., whether it's through sports or just kind of being great guys. How do you kind of hope people will remember you years down, even if it's this current freshman class like years from now when they're seniors how they hope how do you hope they can remember you and think of you in it I mean I kind of hope they think of like us as like the standard for what they want their senior class to be like I hope like they want to see us as like sports captains or sports leaders to be like us when they're seniors or when it comes like going to games I hope they want support like we show at our games I just hope that we kind of set something to look up to something to copy yeah just add on to that i mean just definitely be the standard uh so we obviously want them to be better than us uh we want everybody to try to be better um and we want we want like what we did this year to definitely serve as standard just of brotherhood um and pushing yourself to be better stuff like that so and if you could change anything about us to make it better, what do you think you guys would change?

For me, I'd probably say, like, more stuff throughout the school day. Like, I know sometimes we have, like, in the past years, we've had, like, just random stuff that, like, during assembly that just, like, break up the, like, continuity of each day. Like, because our days are, like, strictly work and very routine, the days can kind of like mesh together and mold together and I think when they did like just small events throughout the day like during the week it was able to break it up and just kind of be a little refreshing when all we do when we come to school is just work work work so I think something useful would be like like during exam weeks when they do like the office hours I think that would be something that would be helpful like maybe even just like once a week during the school week because often like your schedule won't align with someone who you need help from. It's really tough to make that work sometimes.

And I think that would just be like a helpful thing for your students because that's how it is in college pretty often. There are a lot of office hours. So I think that would be a pretty helpful addition. You know, we ask one question every single podcast.

You know, what is your why? So in other words, what kind of motivates you to every day kind of get up, work hard in the classroom kind of on the basketball court on the football field in orchestra everywhere when even things get tough so for both of you what is your why and how does that kind of guide you through your life and especially high school um i would definitely have to say like my parents like working to like put me put me here um it's not an easy place to send a to send your son so i'm just thankful that they let me come here and like make the sacrifice they do for me to go here so every time it's kind of tough like I can kind of remind myself like not everybody gets the opportunity to do what we do so you got to make the most of it. Kind of similar for me on the way my parents raised me my older brother all my siblings it's just to be intentional like at everything you do so you're going to do your best in orchestra even though you don't like it You're going to do your best in it because you have to be intentional at stuff that you're doing. They always push me to be intentional in my schoolwork, intentional in places that I want to be, intentional with my goals and stuff like that.

So just definitely just trying to be actively intentional in what I'm doing. Well, Collin Kingston, it's been great having you on the show. Thank you so much for taking the time to share stories, insights, experiences. To our listeners, thank you so much for tuning in. and we'll hope you'll join us next Wednesday for the next episode of Late Start Show thank you guys