Veronica Grace G.

Labadan
LWR – N1

Discuss the following challenges of Rizal while studying at UST and Ateneo.
a. as a student
b. the injustices experienced by his family
c. problems faced by the Filipinos

Rizal faced various challenges as a student at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and
later at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila.
a. Challenges as a student: Rizal was an excellent student and often had to work harder
due to his Spanish background and lack of proficiency in the Tagalog language. Rizal
also experienced discrimination because of his race and cultural background, which
affected his academic and personal life.
b. Injustices experienced by his family: The Spanish colonial administration committed
several cases of abuse against Rizal's family. His brother Paciano was imprisoned and
tortured for his engagement in the reform movement. Rizal's mother was put in prison
without a trial on spurious claims of poisoning her sister-in-law. These encounters stoked
Rizal's enthusiasm for reform and inspired him to stand out for the rights of the Filipino
people.
c. Problems faced by the Filipinos: The issues that the Filipino people faced, such as
poverty, illiteracy, and a lack of political representation, were issues that Rizal was well
aware of. He saw the wrongdoing of the Spanish colonial administration, which included
the use of forced labor, high taxes, and a lack of social and economic mobility. Rizal was
encouraged by these encounters to speak up for the Filipino people and defend their
liberties.