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.