When Did Rizal Enroll at the Central Universidad De Madrid?
Jose Rizal is a renowned Filipino nationalist, writer, and revolutionary who emerged as a prominent figure in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. His works and contributions have made him a significant figure in Philippine history and beyond.
Part of Rizal’s journey to becoming an influential figure was his education. He studied at various universities across Europe, including the Central Universidad de Madrid in Spain. But when exactly did he enroll there?
Rizal’s Early Education
Before we dive into his enrollment at Central Universidad de Madrid, let’s first take a look at Rizal’s early education. Born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines, Rizal was one of eleven children. His parents were Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso.
Rizal began his formal education at the age of three under the tutelage of his mother. Later on, he went to Ateneo Municipal de Manila for his secondary education.
Rizal’s Enrollment at Central Universidad de Madrid
In 1882, after completing his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ateneo Municipal de Manila and studying medicine at the University of Santo Tomas for a year, Rizal traveled to Madrid to pursue further studies.
It was in 1883 when Rizal initially enrolled at the Central Universidad de Madrid to study medicine. However, due to racial discrimination and harassment by fellow students and professors who saw him as inferior because of his ethnicity, he transferred to the Universidad Central de Barcelona.
In Barcelona, Rizal continued his medical studies while also delving deeper into various fields such as literature, painting, and sculpture. He even won several literary awards for his works.
Rizal’s Return to Madrid
In 1885, Rizal returned to Madrid and transferred back to the Central Universidad de Madrid to continue his studies in medicine. This time, he was not only determined to excel academically but also to fight against the injustices and discrimination that he had faced during his previous enrollment.
During his second stint at the university, Rizal became more involved in various organizations that advocated for the rights of Filipinos and other colonized peoples. He also continued writing and publishing works that exposed the harsh realities of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.
The Impact of Rizal’s Education
Rizal’s education played a crucial role in shaping his views and beliefs about nationalism, freedom, and justice. His experiences at Central Universidad de Madrid and other European universities exposed him to different cultures, people, and ideas that influenced his writings and revolutionary actions later on.
Today, Rizal’s legacy lives on as a symbol of Filipino pride and resilience. His works continue to inspire generations of Filipinos who strive for genuine independence, progress, and unity.
- In conclusion, Jose Rizal enrolled at Central Universidad de Madrid twice – first in 1883 but transferred to Central Universidad de Barcelona due to discrimination; he returned in 1885 with a renewed determination to fight against injustices. His education played an essential role in shaping his views about nationalism, freedom, and justice – which continue to inspire many today.