MONTEJO, Prince Kenneth O.

BSED 3-Science
GE 109
Mr. Greggo dela Cruz
ACTIVITY 2.

Using a diagram below, compare the life and experiences of Jose Rizal while he
was studying in Ateneo and UST.

Without me being biased to Ateneo and UST, even I can say that the system in
Ateneo is much better than UST today. Even when both schools are linked to
religion, one stands out and still cares for the students and actually addresses the
students’ concerns.

Rizal was not happy in UST. He was not able to write poems during his years in UST
and professors (who were Dominican professors) were not as professional as they
should be. On the other side of the door, Rizal had a great time in Ateneo. His talents
and intelligence were recognized and he was able to write more poems than in UST.

Rizal definitely received the recognition he deserved in Ateneo and kept on getting
promoted unlike in University of Santo Tomas where he was constantly dragged into
controversies and dramas. He was one of the greatest political enemies of Spain
during their occupation and his oozing bravery and political stance might shook the
friars so they decided to give him a hard time.

Ateneo was tapping Rizal’s back as a young man that searched for answers and
wanted achievements for himself and his country. University of Santo Tomas was a
traitor and a rat to him, constantly dragging him to a pit where the Dominican
professors dwelt in stink.
ACTIVITY 3.

Write a 300-500 words personal reflection on the value and significance of

education in the success of a person in the modern world. Keep in mind Rizal’s
undying commitment to education in writing your reflection.

Helmet on, Shield in front, Sword ready for combat

Not a big deal, but a step above adversaries.

As a kid who grew up in a poor family, I became used to my mum saying “I can only
give you the education you need by bringing you to school.” So right there and there
I realized that I had to strive harder than anyone and keep in mind to not waste
every opportunity to learn. So in return to her sacrifices to get me into school, I
studied hard and made into my grade school’s top 10. I even joined contests that
harnessed academic talents. In high school, I continued my routine of staying up late
all night and made it into the top of the class. I joined contests again in our school, in
our city, and even in the region. These things I worked hard for continued even in
senior high school.

All the knowledge I accumulated from those years paid off and I made it into a
science high school. My talent in writing and speaking was recognized while I was
studying science. I was having a good time by being recognized left and right and I
strived harder so my mum would be proud of me. She was and still is today.

The plot twist I did not expect was when I was preparing for college. I was aback by
the realization that there was really no one to back me up and that I needed “special
connections” to get what I want. I realized that I was equipped inside but not on the
outside. I was still small. Since that day, I never really believed that education is vital
for success. It is only one of the battle equipment I need for combat. There are a lot
of things that I still need in my battlefield wardrobe such as being aware of my
environment, building connections, and being resourceful and versatile.

I know you will be wondering why I am talking like this when this should be about
education, but this is the truth. A person will seem empty-handed without any other
hard and soft skills aside from the diploma and degree.
I already did the studying and the hardworking days and nights of my youth getting
to know what I wanted to know. Now I am working part-time and battling the
outward forces that keep me out of my goals. I am expanding my horizons and
getting into the real adult stuff I should get used to.

Rizal was wise and I will never be near his intelligence and credentials. But I know we
are both brave and resilient. I may not have studied in a prestigious university and
may not get the fanciest, shiniest medals in college but my willingness to learn and
be the better version of myself is what keeps me going. I have faced a lot of
struggles as a kid and as a young man. They knocked me down but I eventually
found the strength to get back up.

There it is, a hybrid of education and undying commitment to learning, and enough
knowledge about the intoxicating real world is a vital tool for success in the modern
world.

While my work and household chores are waiting for me, I am writing this reflection.
And I hope I will come back someday to read this in my apartment with my kids,
smiling to the thought that I made it - and owing to our heroes what I get to
experience.

Education will get you smart, but it is not enough to be smart today. There are other
things needed to be explored aside from the four corners of the classroom. There are
greater things waiting outside after writing down that assignment that I researched
from Google. And my boots are ready.

Like Rizal, I put my helmet on, make sure my shield guards me, and always ready to
combat the adversaries.
ACTIVITY 4.

Write a four-stanza poem dedicated to your mother.

Mom, I’m home

I am easy to crumble
I shatter every time I fall
Each time I come close to you
Feels like the world is not cruel and vicious

You are the song of my summer, winter, spring and fall

After each tiring day, I come home to you and your embrace
Like a bird who wandered the world and came to its nest at nightfall
You said life is not a race and I should not cover my face

I am brittle and easy to melt

You let me sleep in peace even when there are monsters under my bed
Right before I go out of the house, you’d give me a cardigan
So I would not miss your hugs while I’m gone

When the world turns its back on me

You let me hibernate under the shining sun
You let me wander the deepest valleys
And welcomes me when I’m stronger again

Mom, I am home
Mom, I am stronger,
Mom, I am resilient
Mom, I am a mirror of your own life

So when I wander again to find myself

And gain my strength
Prepare a feast
And we will celebrate in peace

Mom, I’m home