This chapter will discuss Rizal's high school and college life, his experiences at Ateneo, UST, and other foreign universities. The video will also cover his travels abroad and their significance, as well as introduce the Propaganda Movement and its connection to Rizal.

Before diving into Rizal's education, the video provides context on the GomBurZa (Gomez, Burgos, Zamora) incident of 1872. It addresses common misconceptions about their names and discusses a viral clip from a quiz bee that highlighted a lack of historical knowledge. The video argues that judging students for not knowing every detail of history is unfair, given the educational system and human memory. It explains how the Cavite Mutiny led to the unjust execution of the three priests, which deeply angered Filipinos and profoundly influenced a 10-year-old Rizal, inspiring him to fight for social justice.

In June 1872, Rizal enrolled at Ateneo, despite initially passing the entrance exam for San Juan de Letran. His father chose Ateneo due to its prestigious reputation and the Jesuits' rigorous intellectual standards. Rizal initially faced challenges with registration and his physical appearance but was eventually accepted. He excelled academically, quickly becoming an 'Emperor' in the unique Ateneo class system which encouraged competition. He improved his Spanish through private lessons and consistently earned excellent grades, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

The video highlights Rizal's poetic development under Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez, who encouraged him to write in Spanish. Initially, some of Rizal's poems at Ateneo, like those about Juan Sebastian Elcano and Ferdinand Magellan, praised Spanish figures, which is explained by them being school assignments and the context of Spanish history education. However, other writings, like 'Alianza Intima Entre la Religion y la Buena Educacion,' showed a budding critical perspective. Rizal’s time at Ateneo concluded with him receiving numerous medals and a deep appreciation for education, which he equated to a 'guiding lighthouse.' He was tasked by Fr. Sanchez to write a Spanish verse drama and a poem about Calamba during his vacation before his graduation.

After Ateneo, Rizal enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to study Philosophy and Letters, later shifting to Medicine to cure his mother's blindness. His mother initially opposed his university education due to the recent GomBurZa executions. Rizal's academic performance at UST varied, unlike his consistent excellence at Ateneo. Historians like Gregorio Zaide and Leon Ma. Guerrero attribute this to hostile Dominican professors, discrimination against Filipino students, an obsolete teaching method, and Rizal's growing interests outside academics. Despite these challenges, Rizal won first prize in literary contests with works like 'A La Juventud Filipina,' where he boldly declared the Philippines as the true motherland.

The video presents two contrasting views on Rizal's time at UST. Traditional accounts, often negative, portray discrimination and academic struggles. However, insights from 'The Nostalgic Thomasian' and UST archivist Regalado Trota Jose suggest that Rizal received unusual privileges, that Filipino students were not necessarily discriminated against (citing high grades among Filipinos and many Spanish students dropping out), and that his grades were comparable to his later studies in Madrid, being above average rather than poor. Lito Zulueta also argues that Rizal's departure from UST was a 'search of himself' rather than due to mistreatment. The video concludes by leaving it to the viewer to decide which narrative resonates more, emphasizing the ongoing debate about Rizal's UST experience.