Tuscaloosa, Alabama (AP) — Kailandarnell has become an overnight celebrity in Tiktoknich, documenting the flashy and ritual recruitment process for sororities. Four years later, as a 21-year-old Rising Senior, she is taking offline her sorority life.
Darnell has so far been a rendition of Rushtok, documenting efforts by teens at schools across the country to land precious places in sororities during the colorful, girly and enigmatic recruitment process known as Rush Week.
The response to the content that once pushed her to fame — depicting her life as a member of the University of Alabama Zeta Tau Alpha — has become so negative it has affected her mental health.
“This year, it was like a completely different level of hatred,” Darnell said.
Citing the need to protect prospects from harassment, many sororities made the same move, publishing a de facto ban on media talks and social media posts during the Alabama Rush Week.
Traditions of many centuries ago
Nationally, Rush is usually a 10-day event in which “future new members” try out sororities through activities that stipulate strict slates of costumes and etiquette. In lead-up, girls often submit “social resumes” and letters of recommendation from sorority alumni.
In many cases, participation requires a spectacular price.
They could spend tens of thousands of dollars on clothing, makeup and plane tickets, and each of the 2,600 recruits this week paid $550 to join. If they are not chosen, it is non-refundable. According to the Alabama Panhellenic Association, if accepted, you’ll pay an average of $8,400 per semester, or $4,100 if you live elsewhere.
The pressure can be very intense, so the consulting industry now helps girls navigate the often mystical standards for landing the desired sorority. You will be charged up to $10,000 for the months of service that can be started in high school.
Throughout the rush, many events are invited only. At any time, the girls can receive a horrifying call informing them that they have been dropped. The match will ultimately take place on the bid as prospects rank the best choices and sororities make the offer.
Morgan Cadenhead, now 20 years old, has won such an audience with Rushtok, despite covering most of his tuition fees with his income from social media. Then, social costs were created as she was criticised online for criticizing Greek life. Currently featured in the Marketing major – Lifetime’s “Sorority Mom’s Guide to Rush!” – She said she was looking for offline jobs.
Follow the enthusiastic Tiktok
Rush staking was updated when female students resumed in-person recruitment following the pandemic.
Social media was flooded with “Day Costumes” and “Get Ready With Me” videos.
Alabama’s Greek life attracted attention before its traditionally white female student life Racially integratedaccepting the first black member in 2013. Target of protest Continued Racism allegationsthe university agreed to the Department of Justice in 2016 to encourage diversity. Today, black students, traditionally black sororities and non-fraternalists, make up 2% of total Greek membership, the university’s website says.
Meanwhile, online attention to Rush led to polarized documentaries, reality television series, expanding the appeal of sororities in the South, particularly in the South.
Stefanelli coaches girls from all over the country, with about a third of her clients enrolling in Alabama. She says many are portrayed by vibrant depictions of sisterhood, indicating the friendship of women that can ensure that girls feel seen and supported.
“That’s why a lot of them want to go to Alabama because they saw it in Tiktok,” Stefanelli said.
Recruiters were told to stop posting – or otherwise
If you gain enough followers to become a social influencer, Rushtok participants can earn advertising revenue and brand deals. Darnell’s posts have brought her financial independence to more than cover the $58,000 annual cost of attending Alabama from out of state.
Rush is fun and can help girls build confidence, but it is also an “emotional roller coaster.” Especially for girls who feel the need to reveal themselves to a large audience, she answers the phone every night during Rush Week.
“I’m literally a therapist. I’m talking these girls off the shelf,” she said.
Many freshmen told The Associated Press this week that they were explicitly banned from talking to the media or even posting about the rush in Alabama. Darnell said that the most selective “old row” homes automatically drop prospects.
“A lot of girls are coming to college and becoming influencers now,” she said. “It’ll get in the way of a sisterhood.”
Some freshmen, including Darnell’s 19-year-old sister Izzy, follow a huge amount of social media anyway, but choose to post anyway, meeting the demands that can reach millions of viewers.
Izzy Darnell didn’t share the sorority choice before Saturday’s bid date — said her sister’s insight has the ability to navigate criticism and potentially predatory business deals. But she’s worried about how other girls will handle fame and money.
“I’m just afraid of what some girls will do because I think they have to do that,” Izzy Darnell said.
