Towson Students Share What It’s Really Like Being the Eldest Daughter

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By: Ariana Arias

Student speakers of the Eldest Daughter Panel

Towson University just hosted a student-led event called “The Eldest Daughter in an Immigrant Household” Panel on April 15 in UU 224. The event was hosted by Ethiopian Eritrean Student Association (EESA), AASD, and the Center for Student Diversity (CSD), bringing together different cultural organizations on campus to create a space for honest conversation and shared experiences.

Students discussed something a lot of people don’t always say out loud—what it’s actually like being the eldest daughter.

The event was created by sophomore Elbetel Ameha, who turned a class assignment into a space for honest conversations. The goal was simple: talk about the pressure, responsibilities, and identity that come with being the eldest daughter—especially in immigrant families.

A big theme throughout the panel was responsibility.

Kiara Betanga shared how being independent is a huge part of who she is now. She said she’s always been the one people rely on—at home and even in her friend’s group.

“I’m the ‘mom’ of the group,” she said.

But the role of being a reliable one also came with pressure. Kiara explained how she used to protect her younger brother from things she didn’t want him to go through.

“It’s hard to put yourself first,” she said, adding that he’s only now starting to understand everything she did for him.

Others grew up being the “translator”.

Alexandra Blandón talked about growing up in a Spanish-speaking, single-parent household and how she had to step up early.

She was the one handling translations—phone calls, emails, everything. Even now, she still carries that responsibility, even though her younger sister speaks English too.

For her, being the eldest daughter also means being a role model. She wants her younger sisters to look up to her and feel like they can succeed too.

Being the first in your family to go to college means also learning to live for yourself.

Leah Kebede shared how she’s now trying to focus on herself after years of putting others first.

She talked about finally learning how to live for herself while still using everything; she’s been through to help others on campus.

Leah Tejan had a different experience—she was sent to boarding school in Pennsylvania with her siblings for better opportunities. But even there, she still felt responsible for looking out for them.

The panel wasn’t just stories—it was relatable.

A lot of students in the room could see themselves in what was being said. It showed how common these experiences are, even if people don’t always talk about them.

Overall, the conversation was eye-opening, honest, and something Towson definitely needs more of.