Kylan Darnell has taken the Zeta Tau Alpha creed to heart.
Instead of unintentionally referring to it, a University of Alabama student echoed the sorority’s fundamental principle during a conversation with her younger sister Isabella “Izzy” Darnell, who is currently participating in sorority recruitment. The creed emphasizes that members should remain authentic, not only for themselves but also for those within and outside their group.
Kylan shared with TopMob News during an exclusive interview that he advised her to simply be authentic. He explained, “When you’re in a hurry, it’s easy to say things others want to hear. Many young women going through the recruitment process tend to lose their individuality and the traits that define them. They end up trying to conform to the stereotype of an SEC sorority girl.
As a loving sibling, I expressed, “I didn’t desire for my sister to take that action. Instead, I wished she would continue being her distinct self, for Izzy is remarkably unique.
Although the sports broadcasting student, who has worked with giants such as ESPN, NASCAR, and MLS Soccer, boasts a substantial fanbase by revealing the sorority world from behind-the-scenes, she is firm in wanting her younger sibling to navigate things independently.
The 21-year-old went on to say, “I was encouraging her to find her own identity instead of mirroring mine. She’s her unique self and expresses this clearly. Therefore, I believe it’s beneficial for her to continue being herself rather than trying to conform to any specific pattern.
Although Kylan often acts protectively towards Izzy as if Izzy were her own child, she acknowledged, “Izzy is remarkably individual. I need to understand that she isn’t a replica of me, and I can’t mold her into my likeness. She must be true to herself because that’s what makes her extraordinary.
Moreover, the graduating senior believes that the incoming freshman will thrive during the emotional ups and downs of sorority recruitment.
In my journey as a lifestyle expert, I can’t stress enough the importance of prioritizing mental health. It’s not only acceptable but necessary to take a break when we need it most. Recently, I took a well-deserved mental health day and was met with an outpouring of positivity from those around me. So, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you who supported me during this time. Your kindness helped mend my spirits immensely.
After all, there are a lot of future rush-hopefuls watching her.
Kylan emphasized that it’s crucial since she understands many young girls admire her and emulate her actions,” she continued, explaining the importance of occasional rest.
Kylan mentioned that Izzy appears more resilient than him. He explained that if one were to say something rude to Izzy, she would likely respond with an indifferent attitude, as if it were no big deal. In essence, Izzy doesn’t seem to be easily bothered or affected by what others might say.
That strength extends to online critics, too.
In simpler terms, Kylan shared an anecdote from the past where he was impressed that despite harsh criticisms from others, she remained unfazed. For her age, this resilience was remarkable. He admired her ability to handle online hate as a young girl, and felt incredibly proud of her.
Read on to learn more about the sorority recruitment process at The University of Alabama.
Max’s documentary, named “Bama Rush”, offers a detailed exploration of the sorority rush event at the University of Alabama that gained massive popularity on TikTok in 2021, accumulating more than half a billion views worldwide.)
What’s the process like for this event? It spans a week and consists of four distinct parts: open houses, charitable activities, bonding experiences, and preferences (often abbreviated as “pref”).
On this day, known as Bid Day, all the hopeful members convene at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Here, each one receives an envelope that reveals the sorority they’ve been accepted into.
Prospective new members, often abbreviated as PNMs, should fulfill certain requirements to be selected: they need to make a good impression, engage in meaningful conversations, align with our shared values, and demonstrate strong academic performance.
At the end of each round during Rush, both sorority members (sisters) and potential new members (PNMs) will cast their preferred choices. This continues throughout the process until it culminates in a poignant final selection ceremony for the current sorority sisters.
As per Chi Omega member Cameron Carley in the documentary, they’re emotional during this whole experience because “it’s never easy, that part just isn’t fun.
If you’re intrigued, allow me to share some insights I’ve gathered from Dr. Diana B. Turk, a esteemed professor at New York University. She sheds light on the roots of the process that took shape after Greek life was established in the United States in 1904.
Dr. Turk explains that the idea of urgency arose due to their desire to demonstrate superiority as the top sorority on campus and attract the most exceptional new members. They would intercept the trains carrying incoming students, swiftly sweeping them away in an attempt to charm and gain the favor of the finest freshmen in the new academic year.
Indeed, it’s true! There are actually coaches available for PNMs (Potential New Members) who help navigate them through the recruitment process. Two of these coaches, in particular, are highlighted in the documentary.
As a lifestyle expert who’s been there myself, I can confidently say that my extraordinary journey – being dropped as a freshman and then being recruited by my dream school the following year – has equipped me with invaluable insights to guide aspiring members on their path. Check out my Instagram for details about mentorship opportunities priced at $3,500 or seminar attendance for $650. I look forward to helping you navigate your way to success!
As an ardent follower of Sloan Anderson, I’ve learned a valuable lesson from her coaching program “Crush” about mastering small talk during open houses. Instead of getting caught up in the five Bs – fraternities, alcohol, religion, financial matters, and politics (especially Biden-related discussions) – it’s best to steer clear of these topics to keep conversations flowing smoothly and avoid any potential awkward moments or heated debates.
Sloan clarified that a Public Network Manager (PNM) can certainly discuss topics like diversity and Black Lives Matter. However, she advises against probing into their political leanings, as such queries might put individuals on the spot and cause discomfort.
“A positive attitude and priority for chapter spirit is essential and expected.”
When a member joins a sorority like Sigma Kappa (as per their Code of Conduct from 2020), there are several guidelines they need to abide by, one of which includes not drinking while wearing Greek letters, in addition to another rumored rule that suggests you cannot leave your dormitory unless you have either done two out of three things: styling your hair, applying makeup, or getting dressed up.
From a young age, the concept often instilled in us is, ‘Indeed, you are an individual, but before anything else, you are part of Sigma Kappa.’ Rian Preston, a member of Sigma Kappa, elaborates. This translates to, ‘You’re a woman, yet a Sigma Kappa woman first. That’s a significant aspect of sorority life. It’s about identity and affiliation, essentially, branding.’
It’s commonly understood that some sororities at the University of Alabama are highly sought after, with Zeta Tau Alpha, Phi Mu, and Alpha Delta Phi being among the top-rated houses according to various sources.
In Elizabeth Boyd’s words, as the author of ‘Southern Beauty: Race, Ritual, and Memory in the Modern South’, she describes rush as an unrivaled social tradition that embodies a testing ground for competitive femininity.
According to Rush consultant Sloan Anderson, the ranking system is based on the fraternities.
In essence, Anderson explains that they maintain a social schedule and interact with specific sororities, but these interactions are confined to a certain extent. Moreover, the fraternities aim to mingle with the most popular sororities, ensuring that the girls who bear their insignia meet their expectations.
Sigma Kappa member Rian is aware that her sorority is considered one of the less desirable houses.
She acknowledges that the ranking system among sororities significantly influences one’s involvement in the Greek system. Being part of a top-tier sorority offers various perks such as access to study materials for exams, stronger professional connections within the group, and potentially enhanced opportunities with male counterparts.
At the University of Alabama, sororities were officially integrated as recently as 2013; however, the Panhellenic Association continues to be largely populated by white students. As reported by the university’s newspaper, The Crimson White, in spring 2021, white students comprised approximately 89% of potential new members, but represented around 85% of the total undergraduate population. Approximately 1.3% of pledges identified as Black, with 97% of Black prospective members who completed the recruitment process receiving bids. This rate was higher than any other racial group, according to The Crimson White.
The brief discussion titled Bama Rush delves into the historical background of the Divine Nine – a group comprising nine long-standing African American Greek-letter organizations. Notably, among them is Alpha Kappa Alpha, the inaugural African-American sorority established on sorority row.
Rian, being of mixed race, opened up about her reasons for hastily leaving the Divine 9. She expressed, “Being part of a D9 sorority seems to me like there’s an inherent connection to history that is crucial.” Despite growing more comfortable with her racial identity, she felt that she wouldn’t quite belong due to being raised by white families. Although they might have welcomed her, she felt she may not have fully embraced herself enough to enjoy the sorority experience she desired.
Regardless, Rian acknowledged facing microaggressions, whereas one of the showcased Prospective Medical Students, Mikalya Miller, shares her challenges as a multiracial woman.
Despite that, Rian admitted to encountering microaggressions, and Mikalya Miller, one of the showcased future medical students, disclosed the struggles she experiences being biracial.
Mikalya remarks, “People seem to notice you if you have even a hint of color on you. It feels rather uncomfortable, I suppose.
In the documentary, one topic considered quite sensitive is the existence of a secret society known as The Machine (often referred to as Theta Nu Epsilon). Comprising representatives from all 27 Greek houses, this clandestine group convenes in the basement of a fraternity house. They utilize these meetings to discuss and decide on various campus matters such as elections, homecoming court selections, and football ticket distribution, as per the documentary’s claims.
In 1983, the FBI started investigating the group following the revelation by newly elected independent Student Government Association President John Bolus that his phone was being tapped. The university, on the other hand, halted the functioning of the SGA from 1993 to 1996 after it was reported (by Associated Press) that a non-Machine candidate for student body president had allegedly been assaulted.
Initially, school authorities claimed they had evidence pointing towards the Machine as the culprit, but the group’s leaders asserted their innocence. Harry Knopke, the vice president for student affairs, stated at the time that such violent contests were a clear sign of something needing immediate attention. Later on, he also mentioned that there seemed to be a connection with the so-called Machine, which would be further addressed in discussions.
In contrast to The Machine’s motto “Little is revealed, and what is known is hidden,” its hidden aspects were unveiled by a former member, Alex Smith who graduated from Phi Mu and penned an op-Ed piece for The Crimson White detailing her experience as a senator in 2015.
In the documentary, Alex expresses a sense of unease, stating, “It had an incredibly ominous and unsightly vibe.” She also mentions feeling controlled, as if she was being manipulated to take specific actions, likening herself to a “puppet” being pulled by unseen strings.
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2025-08-14 03:17