Pablo Schoutens gives vocational students in Eindhoven a voice

Pablo Schoutens (23) is the new vocational student officer for the municipality of Eindhoven. He succeeds Summa student Sanne Wijers, who filled this role earlier this year. As a second-year Nutrition and Lifestyle Advisor student at Summa Beauty & Lifestyle and vice-chair of the Summa Student Council, Pablo knows better than anyone what students are concerned about. Drawing on this experience, he wants to work towards a city where vocational students are even more heard.

For Pablo, the role of student officer feels like a logical next step. "I'm a true Eindhoven native, and it's special to be able to contribute to ideas on how we can improve the city, especially for students like me. I want to advocate for issues that are relevant to students, such as mental health and sports."

After completing his pre-vocational secondary education at Montessori College Eindhoven, he started at Summa ICT, but it didn't work out. His studies at Summa Transport and Logistics weren't a good fit either. He quit, worked full-time for a few years, and traveled throughout Scandinavia. Back in the Netherlands, he decided to reexamine his career. He ended up with the Nutrition and Lifestyle Advisor program. "I was immediately hooked. I love advising and helping people. My interest in the human body also made this program a no-brainer for me."

For a school assignment, he wrote down his story. About who he is and what he stands for. "My motivation is to help people live better lives. A teacher then introduced me to the Student Council. After a work experience day, I knew: this is for me." He is now vice-chair of the CSR and, together with other Summa students, actively contributes to how education can better meet the needs of students.

And now there's this extra role for the municipality. "We're such a large group in this city, yet vocational students are often overlooked. While we'll soon be the professionals who keep Eindhoven running. That's the story I want to tell. I want to show: we matter."

One of the issues Pablo champions is mental health. “Many students experience stress. I'm convinced that sports and exercise can help with that. That's why I want to raise awareness of the sports card for vocational students. I also want to create spaces at schools where people can relax or just chat. On the Sterrenlaan campus, we're currently working on room 0; a space where you can relax with other students and where help is easily accessible.”

Pablo has plenty of ideas, but he knows he can't realize them alone. "I want to collaborate. With other students, schools, the municipality. By simply talking: what do you want to see differently? What do you need?"

He'll be completing his vocational education (MBO) in the next two years. After that, higher professional education (HBO) beckons. "I'm a late bloomer, but now I know what I want. To make a difference for other students. That's energizing."