People of Georgian: Three-time student studies leadership with mom

What’s your story?

The Georgian community is full of unique, inspiring perspectives —and we’re sharing them as part of an ongoing series.

People of Georgian: Meet Elissa Kozub

My mom and I are taking a Georgian program together.

First, I took Social Service Worker, which she also took about 10 years ago. Now, we’re both taking Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Management and Leadership).

We’ve always been close, but I as I got older we’ve built a really good relationship.

Two adults take a selfie together. — *Elissa, left, with her mom, Jennifer.*

From mom and daughter to peers

Taking classes with her is helpful because, for example, we just had an accounting class last semester and were able to help each other study and solve problems we were confused about.

It’s nice to be able to bounce ideas off her as a peer, especially because I take the program mostly online and don’t know many other students.

Our first in-person class together was a leadership class in which we learned about our personalities. That was neat to realize, “So that’s where I get that trait from” or “We’re a little bit different in that area.”

Two adults stand outside, and one of whom is wearing a blue graduation gown and bouquet of roses.

Two people hug on stage during a convocation ceremony, as others look on. — *Elissa hugs her mom, who presented her credentials to her during a convocation ceremony. Elissa is currently taking her third program at Georgian, and both mom and daughter work at the college.*

‘Emerging’ into a leadership role

This program has really helped me be confident in building my leadership skills.

Before I started, I didn’t know if I had what it takes to be a leader, but as I go through the program, I feel like I do.

Within the program, my program co-ordinator started a pilot project called Emerge that’s focused on leadership development.

Six of us met about five times throughout the semester and basically learned how to build our leadership skills and relationships with other people in the program. We divided into different roles – management, co-workers. If any of us had a direct report, they got to fill out a questionnaire about us based on what they think of us as a leader.

It was really cool to see what other people think of you as a leader compared to what you think of yourself as a leader, and then build off that.

Selfie of a person with long, blonde hair, nose ring and wearing a black T-shirt.

‘The COVID-19 pandemic hit, and I changed my whole life’

This leadership program is the third program I’ve taken at Georgian.

I just really like being educated, and I like the experience and opportunities Georgian provides for online learning, especially as someone who works full time.

Originally, I was going to pursue social work but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and I changed my whole life.

Georgian’s business and leadership program looked really interesting, and it makes sense because I’m such a numbers person. I like spreadsheets and I love, love, love to plan.

It started in childhood when my mom would always ask me where I was going, who I was going to be with, and what time I’d be home. I always had to have my plan laid out.

My passion for planning comes from my mom, so now being in college with her feels full circle.

Elissa Kozub, student in Georgian’s Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Management and Leadership) and an alumna of the Social Service Worker (class of 2020) and Business – Entrepreneurship (class of 2022) programs. Elissa is also a Curriculum and Fees Officer in the Office of the Registrar. As well, Elissa’s mom, Jennifer Charbonneau, works for Georgian as an Employment Services Consultant.