A TIMELINE OF JOSE RIZAL’S CHILDHOOD AND
EARLY EDUCATION
Jose Rizal was born in Calamba, Laguna.
1861 - 1870
He continued his education under Lucas
Padua in a public school in Calamba.
1872
He entered Ateneo as a boarder and
took Bachelor of Arts Degree. He also
graduated with the highest honor.
1877
He shifted courses from Philosophy to
Medicine.
1882
He received a degree in medicine from
Central University of Madrid at the age
of 23.
1887
In February, he continued travel
practice medicine and write.
June 19, 1861
He received his formal education in
Binan, Laguna under Mr. Justiniano
Cruz.
1871
He took an entrance exam and was
accepted as a scholar in Ateneo.
1875 - 1877
In June, he began his studies in
Philosophy at St. Thomas University.
1878
Rizal’s first travel in Europe.
1886
He finished his first novel titled Noli Me
Tangere while staying in Berlin.
1888
1892
In August, he was detained abroad and
was charged with treason and formation
of illegal societies. He also met
Josephine Bracken and penned his last
piece of writing called “My Last
Farewell”.
1896
He was shot by a firing Squad.
1912
On December 30th, Jose Rizal’s ashes
were transferred to Rizal Mausoleum.
Name: Mariel M. Lego
Year and Section: 2A
The early Life of Dr. Jose Rizal is an integral part of his journey to becoming
a national hero. His childhood life was as vivid as a rainbow and could be the
happiest period of his life. Like Rizal, I also cherished my childhood years as
I grew up with my parents and siblings. They showered me with love and
colored my life with happiness and simplicity.
Rizal was no ordinary person; even at his early age, he had shown many
characteristics that a normal Filipino child does not possess- an intellectual
curiosity that started in his childhood years. At the age of three years old,
his mother taught him to read and learned the alphabet. He was a fast
learner with an intense curiosity about everything. He was able to use the
pencil as a tool for sketching and he showed much appreciation for his
countryside environment. However, among his siblings, he was frail and
sickly. In comparison to my early life, I was also a curious one. My first
teacher was also my mother and was tender with care as I was not physically
blessed.
Like Rizal who excelled in his elementary and high school years, I was also a
quiet achiever. I participated in various competitions and won some of
them. I was also a student leader during those years and an organizer of any
events in our school. Aside from that, I also love writing as I could express
my ideas clearly and feelings through it; just like Rizal who was known for
his works, and poems, especially his novels that freed our country from the
tyranny of the Spanish colonizers.
Rizal and I may differ in so many things, but the only thing that is certain is
that we both love and are willing to serve this country no matter what. The
spark in our hearts may be the same because like him who wanted to break
the chain from the abuses of Spaniards, I also want to build a better future
not only for myself and my family but also for this country.