John Paul Gajudo

Marina St., CHRV

Dasmarias City, Cavite

January 3, 2015

Dr. Jose Rizal

Calamba, Laguna

Dear Dr. Rizal,

I am only 19 years old, and I think your expectations a little bit hard to attain. While it is
easy to please ones parents and to satisfy their desires before they leave and to treat them
properly, one cannot just simply study critically those that concern the country as well as focus
on serving the country as what you have expected of us. It is true that it is necessary to sharpen
our mind and to educate our hearts, but we may only do so to limited extent. We may not be able
to educate our hearts as much as you have done so. And we may also not be able to devote our
efforts to something great, especially when you refer it to something we could do to serve our
country. The times have changed. The Spaniards may not be the enemy anymore yet we have
created an enemy amongst us. The government became as corrupt as theirs, and the people could
not fight for the right just as the people at your time did. But we are capable of something you
have done on your time. Something that you gave your life for, change.
I conclude this letter by telling you that we may not be able to do all the duties that you
have left us. All of it would be too much, and I would be lying to you if I tell you that the people
of this time can do all of these duties.

Sincerely,
John Paul Gajudo