CTK Alum & Army Veteran Marching to his own Career Path

Paul Ezeanyim ’19 recently completed his 6-year enlistment as an infantryman in the United States Army. His time in the Army included a deployment to Somalia as part of a mortarman unit. The young veteran recently returned to Chicago and is helping out at CTK as a CWSP shuttle driver and chaperone while he pursues career opportunities. In a recent interview, Paul shared his journey from CTK student to Army infantryman. Below are some of his responses (lightly edited).

What led you into the Army?

After graduating from CTK, I attended Triton College for a semester and a half.  At the time, school was not for me. I met a recruiter on Triton’s campus on my way to class.  I had nothing to lose by joining up. If I hadn’t, I could be in a bad place right now after having gone through some difficult things growing up. At age 18, I was motivated by trying to make money rather than going to school. The Army sign-up options were for 2-years, 3-years, or 6-years, which came with a bonus. I joined the Army for six years in April 2020, not long after I had graduated from CTK. 

Before I left for training, I had a falling out with my mom. The Army wasn’t what she wanted me to do. She thought I should be a doctor, but being in school that long wasn’t for me. Going away for a long time was hard to do when I was not on good terms with my mother. It left a hole in my heart. We eventually reconciled once I could use my phone and call her.

Can you describe what your initial military training consisted of?

I needed to wait for a period of time to go through Chicago MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) - the official site all enlisted individuals go through to make sure they are physically, mentally, and medically ready to enter into training. In Sept 2020, I started my military assignment in Georgia for 6 months for infantry school. All soldiers begin with 10 weeks of basic training where you are put to the test both mentally and physically every day.

It was tough, but there were some positives. I got lean and in shape, and could easily run five miles. I also made some good friends from different places and backgrounds. At 18 years old, the majority of the trainees were older than me. Some were married, and being away from their families made it more mentally challenging for them. The experience taught me to be able to take on challenges and to become more of a problem solver.. I was not only a fit soldier but was also considered a leader. In part, since I was willing to speak up to any bullying or disrespect from other trainees, and even on occasion with the drill sergeant. I came out on top by embracing the physical and overcoming the mental. I believe God was looking out for me, as I leaned on my faith and prayer to get me through it.

Fourteen weeks of advanced training specialized to my assignment followed basic training. It’s where you learn and become proficient in your Army job.  I was part of a group being trained in the three mortarman roles: gunner, assistant gunner, and ammo bearer, focusing on three different- sized guns – 60mm, 80mm and 120mm. After advanced, I was officially an Army infantryman and eligible for deployment.

Can you share what happened during your eventual deployment?

I was deployed in September 2024 to a US military base in Somalia as part of a cavalry unit assigned to do reconnaissance. I was on one of the four mortar teams deployed in a group of 113 soldiers. My role was to provide support as part of a quick response force. When called upon, we needed to respond quickly to support the efforts of special forces and others. Our unit’s goal was to push out further to gain more territory because the Taliban was trying to encroach on local turf. Mortarmen are considered an important asset. We were trained to be accurate and fast – both are equally important. We needed to be prepared to engage or be on standby. Fortunately, no one in my unit got hurt or died. It was a nerve-wracking experience, but I believed I wouldn’t be there unless God thought I could handle it.  To me, our role was to serve and protect, so many others didn’t have to.

What did you gain from your military experience?

Being in the Army helped me to become stronger, to open up and talk more, and to take advantage of opportunities that come. The experience was necessary to learn a lot about myself. Parts of me I needed to keep in check to get through it. It showed me that I needed to be more of a risk taker, to not always play it safe. It was a lot of things– humbling, frustrating, fun at times, and challenging at many other times. But I feel blessed to have gone through it and made it as far as I did.

Now that you are an Army veteran, what’s next for you?

I’m weighing a few options and have applied for a couple of positions in different career fields. One path is to go into the trades as an operating engineer, geothermal well driller, or technician. I applied to the Local 150 and should hear back soon. I also applied to the State of Illinois through Springfield. I passed the required test and now have one year to find a position in an area of interest. I'm considering IT and public service representative positions. A college degree is not required for many of the jobs. They are seeking to hire veterans, for their willingness to work hard and be on time, as well as their relevant experience in technology, working with heavy machinery, driving trucks, etc. 

In the interim, I returned to CTK to help out by driving Corporate Work Study shuttles and chaperoning student workers. I want to help out wherever I’m needed. I know it’s not always easy for students going through CTK, but looking back, I can recognize the value of the experiences and opportunities. CTK helped to shape and guide me and others on our paths to greatness. I appreciate the support given to me by CTK teachers and staff, including the positive impact of my coaches, Joe Conti, and President Martin.

Tell me about your time at CTK - academics and activities?

CTK was actually my mom’s choice. She was big on Catholic education, and my brother Anthony ‘20 and I went to grade school at St. Agatha. CTK grew on me. I struggled at first in the classroom and had a hard time focusing. I didn’t know at the time that I had ADHD, but I knew there was something wrong. I had to find ways to get my energy up. I’d do anything to keep from feeling stuck.I didn’t ever want them to call my parents, and never wanted to fail at anything. I did what was necessary and prayed every night that I would do better. I was dependent on my teachers, and they were all different. Some allowed me to express myself, while others thought it was time to focus and do the work. I tried to adapt to the class and pushed myself to get passing grades.

Outside of the classroom, I was in the drumline for all four years. I also played on the football team for the last two years. Football gave me an avenue to freely show my emotions out on the field. Although I didn’t have much experience, I was naturally aggressive, and big and strong. Football was also an avenue to be part of a brotherhood of guys who I am still friends with today. They were my first brotherhood prior to the Army.

I also enjoyed taking part in volunteer service while at CTK. Every 2nd and 4th Saturday morning, I fed people who are homeless at the Dignity Breakfast at Our Lady of Sorrows church. It showed me that you don’t need to be well off to help people in need. And giving your time is appreciated just as much as giving money. Being part of the Nazareth Farm summer service trip to West Virginia showed me a part of the US I never knew existed and allowed me to meet kids from different backgrounds. Although I couldn’t understand it at first when they took our phones away, I grew to appreciate the simple, peaceful, and calm experience, and helping others.

What did you think of your Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) experience? 

CWSP was one of the best things about being at CTK. I meshed well with all of my supervisors. Everyone at my work sites was kind to me and showed me unconditional love. I recently went to visit former supervisor, Cheynita Allen, from Wintrust Bank Hyde Park, and she was super excited to see me. I appreciate the encouragement and mentorship she gave me throughout high school. I was also assigned to work at the Chicago Blackhawks while at CTK and continued after graduating, off and on for over seven years. With the Blackhawks, I’ve worked in multiple departments and roles, including as an event staff member, scorekeeper, security, and as a line cook and dishwasher. I saw myself as a Swiss army knife, doing whatever they needed me to do. I'm grateful for learning to connect with people and to network, and to be able to keep my CWSP connections.

What advice would you share with current students about life after CTK?

Remember that CTK is there to guide you until it’s your turn to walk alone. When you go out into the world, it can be scary, but remember, everyone, even adults, is still trying to figure things out. Since you are young, you still have time. You need to become comfortable with taking bold risks and making mistakes. As long as you trust yourself, making a mistake is part of your learning curve.

Thank you to Paul for sharing your advice and career journey, and for your service to our country. Best of luck with whatever is next for you.