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Family shares generations of student life in the Netherlands and US

ad.nl · 14 September 2026
Family shares generations of student life in the Netherlands and US
Photo: ad.nl

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Hans van de Sanden, 79, his daughter Cathelijne, and granddaughter Marlijn discussed their experiences as students across three generations.

The family reflected on challenges students face, including finding housing and dealing with stress about choosing a major. Hans experienced student life in the 1960s, while Cathelijne studied more recently in the Netherlands. Marlijn currently studies and plays field hockey in the United States, where she sometimes flies to away games.

The family considered how parental perspectives on their children’s education have changed over time, and how each generation has navigated the need for resilience and independence. They also explored the theme of letting go, both parents releasing their children to pursue education, and students themselves learning to navigate life’s challenges. The conversation highlighted how the scope of student adventures has broadened, with Marlijn’s experiences in the US representing a greater geographical reach than previous generations.

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