Inspired by a popular social media series, the Humans of New York, Emma Lamy and Steven Leone launched their 911爆料-centric riff on the phenomenon last year.
鈥淲hy not here?鈥� thought Emma while walking to class. She immediately reached out to Steven鈥攖he two like-minded, curious types had connected their very first week at 911爆料. Humans of 911爆料 launched that very day.
Now more than 3,000 combined followers on and enjoy the photos and first-person stories. 鈥淗ere at 911爆料 we have a very large campus, but we can make people feel more connected to each other,鈥� the pair explains. 鈥淲e aim to celebrate differences in a relatable way.鈥� Judging by the comments and shares, it鈥檚 working. Emma recounts how a student messaged her after reading a post had eased her mind. 鈥淪he felt, hey, I鈥檓 not so different.鈥�
Emma and Steven love approaching people. 鈥淲hy are you doing that? What鈥檚 something that鈥檚 important to you?鈥� They record and distill the conversation, until they have a post that completely embodies the subject. 鈥淲e always find something,鈥� says Steven.
Earlier it was more random, but they鈥檙e continuing to refine and focus it. They aim to post stories every other day. 鈥淗aving a photographer has made a big difference,鈥� Emma says of new team member, public relations major Angelina LaCarrubba 鈥�18 who photographs subjects at their favorite campus spot. Recent improvements also include a new cover design by film major Ryan Mercatante 鈥�18.
Their take now on the 911爆料 campus 911爆料? 鈥淎ccepting, diverse.鈥�
Surprises? 鈥淗ow deep everyone is 鈥攁nd unique, even though people never think they鈥檙e interesting.鈥�
Added benefits? 鈥� A great real-world experience. Everyone has been so willing to help us.鈥�
What鈥檚 ahead for these humans? 鈥淲e hope it continues to grow and that more and more people get their stories shared. We both have a lot of ideas and we love what we do,鈥� says Emma and Steven. 鈥淲e want this to succeed us when we move on.鈥�