University of Alabama senior and Zeta Tau Alpha member Kylan Darnell has shared that she is taking a “step back” from recruitment activities and reducing her social media presence related to the sorority rush trend, which is gaining traction on college campuses.

Darnell, who is also the current Miss Ohio Teen USA, has been giving an insider’s view of sorority life for the past three years. She has become a prominent figure in the “Bama Rush” movement that fascinates both college students and social media audiences. However, this year, she intends to change her approach.

“I just wanted to announce this because I’m a person who has showcased my entire college experience and sorority life online,” Darnell explained in a TikTok video. “There have been both positives and negatives. However, today, I’ve decided not to dress up for recruitment. I’m choosing to take a mental health break for the next three days.” 

Originally from Ohio and unfamiliar with the long-standing Southern sorority traditions, Darnell confessed that she entered the University of Alabama with little prior knowledge about rush.

A former Miss Ohio Teen USA, Kylan Darnell says joining a sorority helped her find community and confidence far from home. (Kylan Darnell)

Darnell said her decision to “take a couple steps back” is to protect her own peace.

“I personally feel that if I was to post this year and to promote it (rush), then I would be doing those girls an injustice,” Darnell explained. 

“Now, I’m not suggesting anyone shouldn’t rush. I really enjoyed it. But I must admit, I’m currently facing mental health challenges. I can’t continue sharing online this year and I refuse to pretend otherwise. I have not been enjoying myself, and it just isn’t fun anymore.”

Her followers quickly showed their support, with one commenter applauding her “integrity at such a young age,” while another commented, “Always prioritize yourself and what’s best for you. Your TikTok family supports you!”

Darnell said while she is still an active member of her sorority, she will take the next three days off from posting online and helping with recruitment to help her little sister with rush and enjoy time with her family.

“My family’s here, my friends are here and I’m gonna help my little sister go through recruitment because I can already tell it’s gonna be really hard for her. That is why I’m not participating this morning. I just need a break because I can’t lie to myself anymore this week because I’m really struggling with it. Anyway, I love you all.” 

Bid Day for thousands of Alabama sorority hopefuls is set for August 17, but this year, Darnell will be watching from the sidelines, prioritizing peace over performance.