Name: Basañez Jr., Noel D.

Date: July 3, 2020

Course & Section: RZL110 – AM1 Score: _________

Exercise 2.1 (3.1.2) - CO2

Instructions: Write a 300-word personal reflection on the value and significance of

education in the success of a person in the modern world. Keep in mind Jose Rizal's
undying commitment to education in writing your reflection.

Our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, had always believed that education is the cure
to the problems of the Colonial Philippines - education that is free from the control of
both politics and religion. Hence, he said, “Without education and liberty, which are the
soil and the sun of man, no reform is possible, no measure can give the results
desired.” Rizal stressed that true reform cannot be achieved if there is no suitable and
liberal education for the Filipinos. In one of his letters to his nephew, Alfredo Hidalgo,
Rizal wrote, “Life is a very serious thing and only those with intelligence and heart go
through it worthily.” In this letter, he also told Hidalgo that “to live is to be among men
and to be among men is to struggle.” Rizal concluded that on the battlefield, man has no
better weapon than his intelligence. Thus, Rizal used his intelligence to open the minds
and hearts of his countrymen by writing poems, newspapers, and novels. In one of his
poems, Education gives luster to the Motherland, Rizal dwelt upon the excellent
conception of education as a way of instilling enchanting virtue and elevating the nation
to the high degree of immortality and brilliant glory.

A few lines in his poem goes:

Wise education, vital breath
Inspires an enchanting virtues;
She puts the Country in the lofty seat
Of endless glory, of dazzling glow.
And just as the gentle auras puff
Do brighten the perfumed flowers hue.
So education with a wise, guiding hand,
A benefactress, exalts the human band.

In my opinion, Rizal’s idea of education is a tool that we can use to mold our own
future and fate as a successful person and a valuable member of the society. Like Rizal,
I believe that education can help us reduce the challenges that we face in our lives.
With the knowledge and skills that we gain from education, we would have more
opportunities to accelerate both in our professional and personal growth. Moreover,
education allows us to unlock a different perspective in life. Being said, through
education, we can help our nation to develop and progress socially and economically.

My parents and I are firm believers of Rizal’s saying, “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa
ng bayan.” Hence, I cannot thank them enough for trying their best to provide for me the
best education that they can. Therefore, like Rizal, I believe I can use my education to
bring prosperity and unity to the society and help build a stronger nation in my own little
ways.