The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Where are they now?: Saviour Achilike
12.24.2010 | Texas Athletics
Dec. 24, 2010
Madeline Hays, Texas Media Relations
Saviour Achilike was a multi-facetted student at The University of Texas. He served as a chair for Black Student Government, walked-on as a hurdler for the Men's Track and Field team and more than excelled in the classroom.
During his time at UT, Achilike was honored as an Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar, recipient of Big 12's Dr. Prentice Gautt Postgraduate Scholarship, a two-time Academic All Big 12 and winner of the Lan Hewlett Award for having the highest GPA on his team.
Education has always been a priority for Achilike, and this still reigns true now as he works towards completing medical school at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. TexasSports.com caught up with Achilike to see how Houston is treating him.
How has the transition been to medical school in Houston? It's not too bad of a transition. I wish we didn't sit down for so many hours a day though. I am used to being active and moving around campus. But everything is okay -- nothing an occasional two-a-days can't fix.
What are some of the adjustments you're making with study habits? My least favorite aspect of medical school thus far is the pace. It's so much information in such a short period of time that it doesn't give you enough time to enjoy the process. That seems to be the case across the country. My most favorite aspect of the school is the people around me, especially my core group of study friends. Without people to support you, motivate you and make you laugh -- it would be a long four years.
What do you miss most about being a student-athlete at The University of Texas? I miss the crazy amount of resources we received. More importantly, I miss my friends and my teammates. I went through pain with these guys for two years, and I will always appreciate the part they played in my life.
What is the most valuable lesson learned at UT? Medical school is mentally exhausting. It's draining, but I've been here before. I remember during track practice, there were times I couldn't get up. I was exhausted, dizzy and hungry. I know what it means to keep going if you are tired. Everyday, I am learning that the human body works in phenomenal ways. Every day in developmental anatomy we learn of all the things that could go possibly go wrong -- but for some reason everything comes out just fine. Don't get me wrong, our body definitely makes errors and goes through tough times, but even so, it's resilient. When we lift weights or run, our muscles break down and come back stronger. Vaccines rely on the premise that our body reacts bigger and faster with each subsequent attack of a particular illness. There is something about weakness that makes us stronger.
What are you goals and plans beyond medical school? Honestly, I am just trying to figure out my calling in life. I feel like I've been blessed to go to college, to go to UT, graduate as a student-athlete and then go to medical school. This isn't my doing -- it's my parents, mentors, teachers and God. Therefore, wherever I am called to give back, I will go.
