Amin Lawal was looking for a way that student voices could be heard around campus. While protesting is an outlet for expression, Lawal decided that there should be a “more formal” way to do it.

“We felt like our voices were getting lost,” Lawal said.

The junior history major put his head together with co-founder Luis Gonzalez to launch Voice of the Student (VOTS), an online media network that will post regularly.

“We needed to create something that could get out to the masses quickly,” Lawal said.

Lawal explained that some people consider him to be the boss of his team at VOTS, but he does not see himself in that position.

“I see myself more as a visionary … everyone needs their own voice to be heard and I want everyone to stick with their vision,” Lawal said.

Lawal said he is very happy with how his group has turned out this year, and he hopes it continues in this direction.

Lawal works with three teammates, including co-founder Gonzalez, Andrew Grella, video editor and panelist, and Patrick Fallon, panelist. VOTS also uses voluntary help when anyone wants to participate or help with a show.

In a VOTS show, the panelists talk about anything ranging from sports to academia to campus life to sex. Lawal said no topic is too touchy.

VOTS also goes on campus to talk to students and give feel of campus life. Its goal is to ensure that every voice is heard.

With time spent interviewing people on campus and marketing the brand on social media, the team spends about three days a week working on VOTS-related projects.

Lawal said he hopes the brand reaches others. Although many of his teammates will be graduating, he hopes other students will take over and keep VOTS running.

Lawal said he loves working on VOTS voluntarily for the school, but his ultimate goal is to make it a business.

“We really have big dreams, but we have to take one step at a time,” Lawal said.

Published on December 7, 2015 at 12:01 am

Contact: moberger@syr.edu