“During my time here, I always try to remind people that there are so many jobs in the military,” said Hobayan. “And it’s open to almost whatever you want to do.” (Submitted photo)
For many graduate students, receiving a master’s degree is an early step in achieving their career goals. For military student LeBon Hobayan, receiving a master’s degree in public administration from Carolina is what he hopes will lay the groundwork to bring his 12-year military career to a fulfilling end.
“People ask me where I see myself in 10 years,” Hobayan said. “Honestly, I hope I’m about to retire from the Army.”
Hobayan, 34, began his career in the U.S. Army in 2012. He has served in the 82nd Airborne and as a special operations soldier for Civil Affairs. In his job, he has experienced the intense training at Fort Bragg, the dry weather of Kuwait and the frigid cold of Mongolia. But the military was not always a part of his plan.
After high school, Hobayan enrolled at the University of Delaware to pursue a degree in history education.
“My freshman and sophomore year I was on the dean’s list,” Hobayan said. “But once I turned 21 during my junior year, my focus shifted completely elsewhere and, academically, I started going downhill.”
Looking for a fresh start, Hobayan thought about his grandfather, who served in the Air Force for 20 years and praised how the military provided much-needed structure. Following his grandfather’s lead, Hobayan left school and enlisted in 2012.
While in the military, he kept thinking about how to continue his education. Hobayan enrolled in online classes at Arizona State University, completely paid for by the military, and later received his bachelor’s degree. Hobayan didn’t stop there. Seeking his commission as an Army officer, Hobayan enrolled at Carolina through the Army’s Green to Gold program, in which he could simultaneously earn his graduate degree and participate in the Army ROTC program.
The work has been challenging at times, on top of his classes and the 90-minute commute between Fayetteville and Chapel Hill. But his two years at Carolina have been rewarding thanks to a strong support system, including relationships with professors like Charles Szypszak, a retired Marine captain. Hobayan believes that Szypzak also helped dispel many misconceptions people have about military students.
“The School of Government has been super accommodating and helpful to me,” Hobayan said. “During my time here, I always try to remind people that there are so many jobs in the military, and it’s open to almost whatever you want to do.”
Hobayan interned with the Carolina Veterans Resource Center, where he formed a strong relationship with program director Rob Palermo. The CVRC provides several resources for veterans, military-connected students and others, including training programs and workshops and social and wellness events.
“I want to give Rob all the credit in the world,” Hobayan said. “He opened my eyes to the culture on campus. As a military-grad student, I didn’t really know what was going on since I’m not on campus as the average student.”
As Hobayan prepares for graduation in May, he wants to focus on what matters to him most: his family.
“I have a 10-year-old son and a daughter who’s just about to graduate high school and looking to join ROTC,” Hobayan said. “I want them making a good career for themselves down the line, and I want to provide my wife with a life where she no longer has to work, and we can begin traveling more together. Carolina’s giving me the opportunity to get to that point.”
By Josh McCormack, University Communications
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