Summary
Highlights
Academic Journey and Course Changes00:00:09
Rizal began his studies at UST in Philosophy and Letters in 1877 to satisfy his father's wishes and out of personal indecision. However, he later shifted to a medical course to gain the knowledge necessary to cure his mother's failing eyesight. Additionally, he pursued a vocational course in land surveying, achieving high marks and eventually obtaining his professional title in 1881.
Romantic Interests at UST00:06:35
During his time at UST, Rizal had romantic pursuits with three women: Miss L, Leonor Valenzuela, and Leonor Rivera. These relationships were often short-lived or complicated by his father's disapproval, his commitment to studies, and the need for secrecy, including the use of invisible ink for correspondence.
Literary Achievements and Organizations00:15:15
Rizal flourished as a writer, winning a competition for his poem 'A La Juventud Filipina' (To the Filipino Youth), which challenged the narrative of foreign hope. He also founded 'Companerismo,' a secret society for Filipino students, and contributed various poems, including works honoring the patroness of the Ateneo and Father Pablo Ramon.
Critique of the UST Environment00:23:23
Rizal found the atmosphere at UST suffocating due to discriminatory practices by Dominican professors, a lack of practical laboratory facilities, and an obsolete, repressive teaching method. He famously reflected these grievances in his second novel, 'El Filibusterismo,' specifically detailing the flaws in the physics curriculum.