PAYING IT FORWARD: UNK GRAD ERICK LEIVA LOPEZ STARTS SCHOOL COUNSELING CAREER IN HOMETOWN

KEARNEY, Neb., July 24 -- The University of Nebraska Kearney issued the following news release:

By TYLER ELLYSON

UNK Communications

Erick Leiva Lopez knows exactly what kind of educator he wants to be.

He already has plenty of examples to follow. The first-generation college graduate credits the teachers, coaches and mentors who supported him in Lexington and at the University of Nebraska at Kearney with helping him discover his own potential.

Now, as the newest counselor at Lexington High School, he has an opportunity to make the same impact on students' lives.

"Growing up in Lexington, I was very fortunate to be surrounded by so many great educators and adults within the community," he said. "This is my way of paying it forward in a...