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Elias has brought creativity and joy to Georgia Tech through his leadership as co-president and co-founder of Flash Mob @ Georgia Tech. His goal in creating this organizations was to spread joy and encourage students to embrace the spontaneity of life. Elias hopes his legacy is one of happiness—where students and faculty look back on the flash mob with carefree excitement, using that moment as a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed. While a flash mob itself may not directly create joy, Elias hopes it offers an opportunity for people to reflect, embrace the present, and find their own moments of peace.
One of Elias' most memorable leadership moments was organizing the first classroom flash mob. The team had coordinated with professors, and members were planted throughout the lecture hall, ready for the music cue. However, when the music started, it was barely audible, leaving Elias with a split-second decision—cancel or commit. He chose to commit, mustering as much energy as possible to lead the routine despite the unexpected silence. Though it wasn’t the high-energy moment he envisioned, this experience taught him two valuable lessons: his ability to admit faults and lead through uncertainty. It also reinforced to his team that mistakes are natural, and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone—especially in an unfamiliar social setting—can lead to growth and self-reflection.
In line with Georgia Tech’s motto of Progress and Service, Elias has worked to enhance the frequency of joy on campus. While Georgia Tech pushes for innovation in fields like robotics and nanotechnology, he believes it is equally important to nurture the well-being of the students driving that innovation. Flash Mob @ GT provides a break from the cycle of exams, research, and projects, offering students a chance to pause and appreciate the present moment. Elias firmly believes that it doesn’t take much to help someone shift their perspective toward joy, but it does take something, and he hopes that Flash Mob @ GT serves as that spark for some students.