Davis Oliver '17 Settles in at UNC
Young author committed to healthy living
The "Freshman 15" is a commonly-used expression for weight gained by first-year college students. Davis Oliver '17 was already looking for ways to transform his body in a more positive way during his time at Christ School. Oliver hunkered down late in his junior year of high school, lowering his weight from 210 pounds to 159 pounds. Oliver subsequently began adding lean muscle until he was back up to 185 pounds. Oliver's first book, My Body Breakthrough: The Unfair Advantage to Getting Your Best Body, was published last spring and is available for purchase through his website. Oliver is now a freshman at the University of North Carolina, and looking to major in Business. He recently took a break from his studies in Chapel Hill to discuss being a college newcomer and published author.
Question: How are things so far at UNC?
Answer: So far, everything is great. I'm getting adjusted to classes and taking it all in. I'm taking 16 hours this semester. My workout routine is that I usually get up around 5:30 a.m. and walk over to the gym. I work out in the morning, do my thing, then head off to classes. I manage all that, and then I have some guys I work out with in the afternoon.
Question: For those who don't know, what inspired you to write a book? And what has been the reception?
Answer: The book came about as I was finishing up at Christ School and about to head off to college. I wanted to write a book to show others that you can make your best body breakthrough while managing the stresses of high school. That was the purpose, but it's for all audiences. Everyone can make that transformation. All the reviews have been good so far and it has sold a decent amount of copies. I've gotten a lot of support from my family and everyone at Christ School.
Question: You didn't graduate that long ago. What did you take away from your time at Christ School?
Answer: I'll say one thing I already miss is you are given a lot of structure, a lot of time. It's up to you to decide how to use it and learn what you love to do. After that, it's just a matter of taking that and running with it with all the resources that Christ School gives you. I wouldn't be here at Chapel Hill or having my body breakthrough without the support I got from Coach Harris and Coach Miles. I definitely appreciate the support, time and resources that the school invested in me.
The cover photo for My Body Breakthrough: The Unfair Advantage to Getting Your Best Body.
