The Dearborn Icebreaker

The Dearborn Icebreaker is a Reporter feature designed to help us get to know our UM-Dearborn colleagues. Nominate a colleague to be featured in The Dearborn Icebreaker.

Name: Joe Horka
Position: Cross-Country Coach – Men’s & Women’s
Years at UM-Dearborn: First year

What does a typical workday look like for you?
Besides being a coach, I am also an attorney, so I typically start my day in court. Afterward, I am usually communicating with clients and athletes, attending to emails and administrative work for both jobs, and then, during the cross-country season, attending practice.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
Working with young adults and seeing them improve each day, both on the course and off it.

What was your first job?
My first job was as a cashier at McDonald’s when I was 15 years old.

What do you do to relax?
I obviously love running and otherwise being active. I enjoy traveling, spending time up north on the lake, reading and keeping up on current events, and watching Detroit sports.

If you could have any one skill or talent that you don’t already have, what would it be?
I’d love to be able to work on my own car and fix any problem that arose.

What’s your definition of a life well lived?
I’m a big believer that those who succeed most are those who can most handle delayed gratification. On the other hand, the well-lived life is one that seizes each day for what it is and makes the most of each opportunity that is given.

What’s the proudest moment of your life?
Passing the bar exam on my first attempt.

If we were to create a UM-Dearborn playlist, what song would you want to include?
I don’t really have a favorite song or artist right now, but, lately, you probably couldn’t go wrong with anything country from Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, etc.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I studied law at the University of Miami in Florida.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were a teenager?
I’ve gotten better each year of my life focusing on the big picture and minimizing the unnecessary sweat over the details.