Rizal's Early Education and Teachers

Study Notes

Dona Teodora Alonso Realonda was Rizal's first teacher and discovered his talent in writing poems
At 3 years old, Rizal learned the alphabet
At 5 years old, Rizal could read, write, and create art
At 8 years old, Rizal wrote the poem "Sa aking mga kababata"

Rizal belonged to classes of Spaniards, Mestizos, and Filipinos
He experienced discrimination and racism due to his Filipino status
He became the "emperor" and received a religious picture as a prize
Rizal graduated on March 23, 1877, with a Bachelor of Arts degree and 5 medals, attaining "sobresaliente"

Wrote the poem "Mi Primera Inspiracion" (My First Inspiration)
Advocated for "Through Education Our Motherland Receives Light"
Believed in the "Intimate Alliance Between Religion and Good Education"
Was a "Classroom Emperor", "Campus Leader", and "Secretary of Marian Congregation Religious Society"
Was a member of the Academy of Spanish Literature and Academy of Natural Sciences
Studied painting under Agustin Saez and improved sculpture under Romualdo de Jesus
Engaged in gymnastics, fencing, and physical training under Tio Manuel

Rizal continued his education in Philosophy and Letters before shifting to a medical course
He faced discrimination and outdated instructional methods at the Dominican institution

Rizal secretly departed for Spain without his parents' knowledge
He boarded the ship Salvador bound for Singapore on May 3, 1882
Rizal enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid on November 3, 1882, pursuing courses in Medicine
He completed all requirements for the degree of Doctor of Medicine but did not submit his thesis or pay fees
Rizal became involved with Circulo Hispano-Filipino and wrote "El Amor Patrio" (The Love of Country)
He published "The Indolence of the Filipinos" to counter Spanish criticisms

Rizal achieved a second doctorate in ophthalmology
He was honored by induction into the Berlin Anthropological Society and the Berlin Academy for Pathology
In 1887, at 25 years old, Rizal completed his specialization in ophthalmology under Prof. Otto Becker in Heidelberg