Chapter 5
Jose Rizal at the University of Santo
Tomas
After graduating with honors from Ateneo, Rizal,
at the age of 16, enrolled at the University of Santo
Tomas (UST) for higher studies. Opting for a course in
Philosophy and Letters, along with a vocational course
in Surveying, Rizal excelled in all subjects. Despite
passing the final examination at 17, he couldn't be
granted the title immediately due to his age, but it was
eventually issued to him on Nov. 25, 1881.
First Love
During his medical studies at UST, Rizal
experienced his first love with Segunda Katigbak.
Despite her prior engagement, they developed a
friendship. Their last meeting before Christmas
vacation, where Rizal did not propose, left their
relationship unresolved. His conduct in matters of
love was marked by indecision and timidity
throughout his life.
Rizal as a Student of Medicine
Initially enrolling in the College of Medicine at
UST against his natural inclination, Rizal shifted his
focus due to concerns about his mother's eye condition.
Medicine seemed to offer a noble profession to both
cure his mother's illness and serve his countrymen.
Despite facing racial discrimination and hostility from
Dominican professors, Rizal engaged in various
activities, maintaining contact with the Jesuits and
showcasing his versatile talents.
Leonor Rivera
In 1879, Rizal encountered his cousin
Leonor Rivera, daughter of his uncle Antonio.
Antonio played a crucial role in supporting
Rizal's departure for Europe in 1882. Leonor,
a young girl of 13, left a lasting impression
on Rizal with her fair skin, light brown hair,
pleasing voice, and engaging conversation.
A Poet Is Born to the People
In 1879, Rizal participated in contests held by the Liceo
Artistico Literario de Manila, winning first prize for his poem
"A La Juventud Filipina," expressing patriotism and calling
Filipino youth the fair hope of his motherland. In the following
year (1880-1881), he won another contest with "El Consejo de
los Dioses," a play in poetic prose exalting Cervantes and
Hispanism. These victories marked the beginning of Rizal's
public expressions of nationalism and showcased his literary
brilliance.
