Resilient journey of Windber man, set to graduate college, inspires communities

Cambria County, PA — 35-year-old Josh Horner, of Windber, says he has certainly seen his share of problems. But that didn't stop him from overcoming them, and showing others how to do the same. Josh Horner's story is one of resilience.

“In the span of five years, me and my sisters had lost about five people. Two more to suicide.” Horner says. He tried to cope with the loss, he says nobody deserves to go through. Horner tells me everyone has the power to overcome it.

“I turned to pretty much everything that made me feel good in the immediate, but not for the long haul. And in doing so, there’s consequences of that. I had realized that if I continued on this way, I’m just going to continue to hurt people, hurt myself, and hurt the world around me.” says Horner.

In fall 2015, Horner says he decided to take a stand. In a speech assignment given by his professor at the time, Susan M. Wieczorek PhD., and others discovered his gift. “He explained the effect of communication in the help of getting someone through a suicide attempt. That is when I got to hear Josh speak for the first time.” says Wieczorek. After the class, Dr. Wieczorek says she encouraged Horner to continue speaking.

“With the personal training, with the speaking, with the peer support and counseling, I’ve developed this insatiable desire to help others. That’s my goal, is to continue to do that." Horner exclaims.

Now, after almost a decade, Horner is set to graduate college this fall. A scholarship fund was made by U.P.J., and people who support him, due to Horner not being able to afford his education.

“Giving to others without any hopes to receive on their end to me. It’s only made me want to be a better man, and a better person here, you know?” Horner says. He now teaches other people how to be resilient, and currently works three jobs on top of his education.

As for the resilience scholarship, U.P.J. professors say it still exists to benefit others, but there isn't a lot of money left. If you'd like to donate, reach out to the Community Foundation For the Alleghenies.

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