Reviewer: Rizal as a Student PDF

CHAPTER IV RIZAL AS A STUDENT THROUGH EDUCATION OUR MOTHERLAND RECEIVES LIGHT -Jose Rizal Where education reigns on lofty seat Youth blossoms forth with vigor and agility His error subjugates with solid feet, And is exalted by conceptions of nobility She breaks the neck of vice and its deceit;...

CHAPTER IV RIZAL AS A STUDENT THROUGH EDUCATION OUR MOTHERLAND RECEIVES LIGHT -Jose Rizal Where education reigns on lofty seat Youth blossoms forth with vigor and agility His error subjugates with solid feet, And is exalted by conceptions of nobility She breaks the neck of vice and its deceit; Black crime turns pale at her hostility; The barbarous nations she knows how to tame, From savages create heroic fame EARLY TASTE OF EDUCATION Jose Rizal was surrounded by people who possessed different skills and talents which were selflessly shared to him. His mother taught him how to read and say the humble prayers; transmitted to him her love for Tagalog poetry and related a lot of stories, one of which was the famous Story of the Moth. The brothers of his mother also became influential to the young Rizal. His uncle Jose developed his artistic ability; his uncle Manuel formed his physique through sports and his uncle Gregorio, the love for books. His aya (nurse maid), Ina Munda, played a role in developing his imaginative interest in Rizal through her wonderful stories. The parish priest, Father Leoncio Lopez fostered Rizal’s love for scholarships and intellectual honesty. His father paid tutors for him to learn Latin and Spanish. He was under the supervision of different tutors Maestro Celestino, Maestro Lucas Padua and Maestro Leon Monroy. RIZAL IN BIÑAN: HOMETOWN EDUCATION (1868-1870) In Biñan, through the guidance of Maestro Justiniano, he furthered his knowledge of the basics-reading, writing, arithmetic and religion. He mastered the basic Latin and Spanish courses which were required for higher learning. After 1 ½ year in Biñan, he was advised by his Maestro to advance his studies in Manila. Before he left Biñan, he prayed in the town church, collected pebbles and bade farewell to his teachers and classmates. RIZAL IN ATENEO MUNICIPAL DE MANILA (FORMERLY ESCUELA MUNICIPAL DE MANILA) (1872-1877) Prior to Ateneo, Rizal took the entrance examination in Colegio de San Juan de Letran, a Dominican-owned school. However, his father decided to send him to Ateneo, a school supervised by the Jesuits. He was admitted to the Ateneo through the help of Manuel Jerez, a nephew of Fr. Jose Burgos. RIZAL’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN ATENEO 1. He was a consistent “emperor” in their class despite the fact that he was put at the last row of the class being a newcomer and was grouped in the Carthaginians Empire composed of the externos (non-boarders). 2. He furnished his Spanish through taking private lessons in Colegio de Sta. Isabel which helped him in his writing. 3. He received medals and stampita only in some of his subjects because he was deeply affected by the imprisonment of his mother. 4. He became a voracious reader, he read fiction and non-fiction books and even asked his father to purchase books in history by Cesar Cantu. 5. He was accepted as a member of the Academy of Spanish Literature and Academy of Natural Sciences. He later became the prefect of the Academy of Spanish Literature. 6. He developed his artistic skills in Ateneo. a. Aptitude in poetry- Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez b. Drawing and painting- Peninsular Don Augustin Saez c. Sculptural Ability- Romualdo de Jesus 7. He also joined the Marian Congregation (Solidarity of Our Lady) and the Apostleship of Prayer. Guided and directed by Father Pablo Pastells, he became the prefect of the Marian Congregation and called him as querido hijo de mi alma (my own spiritual son) 8. He also engaged in gymnastics and other physical exercises. On March 23, 1877, Rizal finished his degree in Bachelor of Arts with highest honors sobresaliente (excellent). TRIVIA: There were 12 students graduated in the class of Rizal in Ateneo. Among the 12 graduates, 9 got sobresaliente (excellent) grades in their class and Rizal was one among them. Their class was the remnants of a much larger class when he first stepped in the portals of Ateneo. RIZAL IN THE ROYAL AND PONTIFICAL UNIBERSIDAD DE SANTO TOMAS Having finished his Bachelor of Arts in Ateneo, Rizal was qualified to enter the Royal and Pontifical Unibersidad de Santo Tomas, a school supervised by the Dominicans. As a student in Philosophy and Letters he obtained sobresaliente (excellent) grades in all his subjects. During that year, Rizal also took a vocational course in Ateneo– surveying, agriculture, and topography. He was still an active member and officer of exclusive societies and of the Marian Congregation. However, after one term in the program, he shifted to the Preparatory Course of Medicine. In medicine, Rizal did not shine as he had done at the Ateneo. In the 21 subjects taken in the university, Rizal obtained 6 sobresaliente (excellent), 6 aprovechado (very good), 8 Bueno (good) and 1 aprobado (passing) grades. Perhaps, Rizal was not gifted for medicine as he was for the letters and arts. Rizal excelled in literature and developed his nationalist sentiments on it. Father Evaristo Arias helped him cultivate his craft in poetry. In 1879, he joined poetry contests sponsored by Liceo Literario- Artistico (Artistic Literary Lyceum): 1. A La Juventud Filipina (To The Filipino Youth)- silver pen 2. El Consejos de los Dioses (The council of the Gods)- gold ring He still wrote poems on patriotism, triumphs and admiration to people who influenced his being, a sonnet and a zarzuela (musical comedy) which was performed in the Literary Academy of Ateneo. He also attended classes at the Academy of Fine Arts to perfect his technique in painting and took lessons in fencing. He also developed his leadership skills through funding a secret society for Filipino students in 1880. He named it Compañerismo (Comradeship) for mutual protection (against the Spanish students, who were prone to persecuting the rest) and for encouragement of traditional Filipino sports. After 4 years in the university, Rizal decided to finish his studies abroad. It was only known to few- his brother Paciano, his uncle Antonio, and his brother-in-law, Manuel Hidalgo. He did not wish the rest of the family to know about his travel abroad until he had already departed. It is said here that you will finish the medical course…to me the principal purpose of your departure is not to finish this course but to study other things of greater usefulness of which you are more inclined. -Letter of Paciano to Rizal in 1882 Rizal in Unibersidad Central de Mardid (1882-1885) After 44 days of voyage (May 3-June 16, 1882), Rizal reached his destination-Barcelona, Spain. He spent 3 months in this place because the scholastic year in Europe was different from that of the Philippines. In the fall of 1882, Rizal moved to Madrid, Spain and enrolled, attended lessons and studied the following: 1. Faculty of Medicine 2. Faculty of Philosophy and Letters 3. Languages, painting and sculpture (Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando) 4. Shooting (Hall of Arms of Sanz y Carbonell) Rizal’s Activities: 1. He visited museums and galleries and visited Paris to observe their way of life. 2. He spent most of his time purchasing and reading books in medicine, philosophy, languages, arts, history and many others. 3. He wrote articles and poems on patriotism and nationalism as well as his melancholies and romance. 4. He also delivered speeches requested by his association and also during the triumph of his compatriots, Luna and Hidalgo in the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid. 5. He joined different associations; Circulo Hispano-Filipino (Hispano-Philippine Circle), Brotherhood of Masons. Rizal’s Achievements in Madrid: 1. Degree Licentiate in Medicine (June 21, 1884) 2. Doctor of Medicine (his diploma was not awarded to him due to financial reasons) 3. Degree Licentiate of Philosophy and Letters (June 19, 1885-his 24th birthday) Rizal’s education in Europe broadened his understanding of what progressive education should be. He became radical and critical most especially to the system of education to his motherland. ACTIVITY #4 How did the cultural and societal context of Rizal's time influence his educational journey? Consider the impact of cultural norms, colonial influences, and socio-economic factors on Rizal's educational experiences. How do these factors compare to your own educational environment as a student? ACTIVITY #5 How did Rizal demonstrate resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles during his education? Reflect on a time when you had to persevere through difficulties in your studies. What strategies did you employ to stay motivated and focused? Reviewer: Rizal as a Student Key Themes and Concepts 1. Importance of Education ○ Rizal believed that education was vital for the upliftment of the motherland, famously stating, "Through education, our motherland receives light." ○ Education served as a means for personal growth and national pride. 2. Early Education ○ Influenced by family: His mother instilled a love for reading and Tagalog poetry, while his uncles nurtured his artistic and physical development. ○ Various tutors helped him learn Latin and Spanish, laying a strong academic foundation. Educational Journey 1. Rizal in Biñan (1868-1870) Studied under Maestro Justiniano, mastering basics such as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Transitioned to higher education in Manila after 1.5 years. 2. Ateneo Municipal de Manila (1872-1877) Attended Ateneo, where he excelled despite initial challenges as a newcomer. Achievements: ○ Consistent top student (“emperor”) in class. ○ Enhanced Spanish through private lessons. ○ Developed literary and artistic skills under various mentors. ○ Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with the highest honors (sobresaliente). 3. Royal and Pontifical Universidad de Santo Tomas Qualified for the university after Ateneo; performed well in Philosophy and Letters. Shifted to the Preparatory Course of Medicine but did not excel as he did in literature. Continued to cultivate his literary talent and nationalism. 4. Unibersidad Central de Madrid (1882-1885) Studied in Barcelona and later Madrid, enrolling in Medicine, Philosophy and Letters, and Fine Arts. Engaged in various cultural and intellectual activities: ○ Visited museums and wrote extensively. ○ Joined associations promoting Filipino culture and issues. Major Achievements Ateneo: ○ Notable awards in poetry competitions. ○ Became prefect of the Academy of Spanish Literature. Madrid: ○ Earned a Licentiate in Medicine and in Philosophy and Letters. ○ Expanded his understanding of progressive education, becoming critical of the colonial educational system. Reflection Questions 1. Cultural and Societal Context: How did the colonial educational system impact Rizal's academic experiences? Compare this with your own educational context today. 2. Resilience and Determination: Reflect on Rizal's ability to overcome personal challenges in his studies. Share a personal experience where you demonstrated resilience in your education. Summary Jose Rizal’s educational journey was marked by significant achievements and challenges that shaped his character and revolutionary ideas. His early influences, consistent pursuit of knowledge, and active engagement in literary and cultural activities laid the foundation for his later contributions to the Philippines and the nationalist movement. Understanding his educational background provides insight into the larger context of colonial education and its implications for national identity.