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Ever get stuck on a “What if?” about our national hero, Jose Rizal? I know I do. Like, what if he actually finished med school in Spain? Would he still be the revolutionary writer we know today?
One of the biggest “what ifs” is about Rizal becoming a teacher. The story goes, he couldn’t hack it as a doctor (didn’t finish his thesis, can you believe it?), so teaching was his backup plan. But hold up! No Spanish school would hire a brown-skinned indio like him. Not for a teaching job, which back then was a BIG DEAL. It’s like wanting to be the principal, but they won’t even let you be a student teacher!
So, was Rizal truly rejected for being an indio? And what can WE learn from this whole experience, even though it happened over a century ago? Let’s break it down:
Myth vs. Reality: Rizal the Rejected Teacher?
Here’s the thing about history – sometimes the juiciest stories aren’t totally true. Did Spanish institutions discriminate? Absolutely. Did Rizal face prejudice? You bet. But was he flat-out rejected from EVERY teaching job just because he was Filipino?
It’s more complicated than that. Here’s the tea:
- Rizal DID teach: He wasn’t running a whole school, but he tutored students in Spain. He even taught languages like French and German! The guy was a walking encyclopedia.
- Connections mattered: Landing a prestigious teaching job wasn’t just about skills back then. It was who you knew. Rizal was building his network, but he was also busy writing explosive novels that probably didn’t make him BFFs with the Spanish elite.
- Priorities shifted: Let’s be real, writing those novels? WAY riskier than teaching geography to some kids. Rizal’s focus was shifting from personal ambition to something bigger – fighting for his country’s freedom.
7 Timeless Lessons from Rizal’s Unconventional Career Path
Okay, so Rizal’s teaching career wasn’t a straightforward “apply, get rejected, cry” situation. But that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from it! Here are some very Pinoy, very relevant takeaways:
- Diskarte is Key: Rizal was resourceful. Couldn’t become a fancy professor? Fine. He found other ways to share his knowledge. In the Philippines, we call that diskarte. Whether it’s side hustles or finding creative solutions, never underestimate the power of resourcefulness.
- Passion Projects Matter: Rizal could’ve focused on climbing the academic ladder. Instead, he poured his heart into writing. What’s your passion project? That thing you do even if it doesn’t pay (yet)? Don’t give up on it.
- Obstacles = Opportunities: Rizal faced racism and discrimination. Instead of letting it crush him, he turned his experiences into fuel for his writing. What challenges are you facing? Can you find the opportunity for growth within the struggle?
- Networking is Not Nakakahiya: Building connections is crucial! Rizal knew influential people in Europe. While it didn’t get him a teaching job, it exposed him to new ideas and allies. Don’t be shy – reach out, connect, and build your own network of support.
- Sometimes, You Gotta Pivot: Rizal went from medicine to writing. Sometimes, we need to make major life changes, even if they’re scary. It’s okay to change paths. It doesn’t mean you failed; it means you’re evolving.
- Stand Up For What’s Right: Rizal saw injustice and spoke out against it, even when it was dangerous. What are you passionate about? What needs to change? Don’t be afraid to use your voice, even if it shakes a little.
- Never Stop Learning: Rizal was a lifelong learner. He spoke multiple languages, studied different fields, and always sought knowledge. Cultivate your own love of learning! It keeps your mind sharp and your spirit adventurous.
Finding Your Own “Kalayaan” in the 21st Century
Rizal’s story isn’t just about history; it’s about the struggles and triumphs we face even today. We may not be fighting Spanish colonizers, but we have our own battles – finding fulfilling work, dealing with discrimination, staying true to ourselves in a complicated world.
So, the next time you feel stuck or discouraged, remember Rizal. Remember his resilience, his courage, and his unwavering belief in a better future. And who knows, you might just inspire a revolution of your own!