Breaking News: From University Dropout to Employed Graduate – Balearic Islands Student Fights for Vocational Training Revolution
Palma, Balearic Islands – In a region grappling with high school dropout rates, a young woman is rewriting the narrative around education and career paths. Isabel Comendador Femenías, 20, is not only completing a double degree in Commerce and Marketing through the Balearic Islands’ vocational training (FP) system, but she’s also actively dismantling the long-held prejudices that push students towards abandoning their education. This story, a beacon for Google News indexing and SEO optimization, highlights a potential solution to a growing national problem.
Isabel Comendador Femenías, championing vocational training in the Balearic Islands.
The Unexpected Turn: From Literature to Practical Skills
Comendador Femenías’ journey began at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), initially pursuing Catalan Language and Literature with aspirations of becoming a teacher. However, she quickly realized traditional academia wasn’t the right fit. “I didn’t like it very much,” she admits. A conversation with a friend enrolled in a Marketing and Advertising FP program sparked a pivotal change. “She told me it was very good and that it was a much more practical training.” This led her to IES Berenguer d’Anonia, and ultimately, to a dual-mode Management and Sales degree – a program combining classroom learning with real-world work experience.
Double the Degree, Double the Opportunity
The commitment wasn’t easy. Comendador Femenías balances a full-time job with her studies, starting her day at 9 am and continuing until 7 pm. “It has been very tiring, especially at the end of the course, but it is worth it,” she emphasizes. She recently completed her Management and Sales degree and is now in her second year of Marketing, leveraging the credit transferability between the two programs. Crucially, this experience led directly to employment. After her internship, the company offered her a permanent position, accommodating her study schedule.
Addressing the Dropout Crisis: A Call for Practical Education
The timing of Comendador Femenías’ success is particularly poignant. Just last week, data revealed the Balearic Islands continue to lead the nation in school dropout rates. She believes the current high school system often fails to engage students at a critical developmental stage. “High school catches you in a complicated time that is difficult to manage,” she explains. “You don’t need to be a bogeyman to do a vocational training, but rather put the teachings into practice.” Her experience underscores the value of hands-on learning and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.
The Shifting Perception of Vocational Training
For years, vocational training has been unfairly stigmatized as a less desirable alternative to university. Comendador Femenías recalls a time when FP was “seen as bad, like you don’t have enough studies.” However, she notes a significant shift in perception among younger generations. “The FP has gained prestige because the new generations no longer see it as we did before.” Her own parents initially expressed reservations but were ultimately won over by her success and enthusiasm. This change in attitude is vital for addressing the dropout crisis and ensuring students pursue paths aligned with their strengths and interests.
Beyond the Double Degree: A Future in Events and Image Consulting
Comendador Femenías isn’t stopping with her current qualifications. She plans to pursue further vocational training in image consulting and event organization, recognizing its synergy with her existing skillset. “This year I finished the double higher degree in Commerce and Marketing and I think it complements Marketing very well, with the event organization part that is very important.” Her ambition and proactive approach exemplify the potential unlocked by embracing vocational education.
Isabel Comendador Femenías’ story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t defined by a traditional degree, but by passion, practical skills, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Her journey offers a compelling blueprint for educational reform and a hopeful message for young people facing difficult choices about their future. For students considering their options, her advice is simple: “It is not necessary to study a degree to find a good company and be in a good work environment. We need to be free of prejudices.” Stay tuned to Archyde for continued coverage of education trends and breaking news.