By K.K. BONTEH
Growing up as an orphan with a single, struggling mother was not easy, but my life was blessed with the guidance of my uncle and benefactor, Monsignor Engelbert, who became a true father figure. He was the embodiment of the “poor priest” described by Geoffrey Chaucer in The General Prologue of The Canterbury Tales—virtuous, humble, and wise. I was fortunate to have him as my moral compass during my teenage years, especially at CCAST Bambili, where temptation was as abundant as the mist that rolled over the hills each morning.
Life in CCAST Bambili was a peculiar mix of academic rigor and social competition. Many of my classmates came from wealthy families and lived as if they had a limitless supply of money. They spent their nights at the popular Spot Bar, a nightclub where they drank, danced, and flirted with female classmates. Jane Austen once wrote, “To be fond of dancing is a step toward falling in love,” and at Spot Bar, that step often led to a tumble into distraction.
I was often tempted to join them, not because I enjoyed dancing or drinking, but because I didn’t want to feel left out. My faded wardrobe and lack of pocket money stood in stark contrast to their flashy outfits and extravagant lifestyles. One evening, I decided to approach my uncle, who lived at the St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary (STAMS) in Bambili. I told him I needed money to buy a new shirt, but in truth, I wanted the money to fit into the social life of my peers.
He welcomed me warmly into his modest residence, offered me a seat, and listened attentively to my request. Then he asked a simple question: “Why do you need a new shirt?”
Caught off guard, I fumbled for an answer and said, “Because my shirt is old.”
Without a word, he disappeared into his room and returned moments later with several shirts. Holding them up, he said, “All these shirts, I bought before you were born, and I’m still wearing them. Are you saying your shirt is old or that it’s looking old?”
I froze. My shirt was neither old nor looking old. It was perfectly fine. I had no reply.
With the patience of a teacher and the wisdom of a father, he sat me down and gave me a lesson I will never forget. He explained the importance of asking only for what I truly needed in life—nothing more, nothing less. Anything beyond that, he said, was a distraction. He warned me of the consequences of pursuing unnecessary desires, using the very example of some of my classmates who were given too much money by their parents.
“These students,” he said, “have everything they want, yet they lose focus. They waste their nights at Spot Bar and neglect their studies. Many of them will not pass their final exams or, at best, will scrape by with poor grades. But look at you. You may not have their wealth, but you have the discipline and determination to succeed. Do not trade that for a night of fun.”
His words pierced through my teenage pride and lodged themselves in my heart. From that day, I stopped envying the ostentatious lifestyles of my wealthy classmates and focused instead on my studies. As my uncle predicted, some of those classmates who spent their time at Spot Bar failed their GCE exams or passed with mediocre results. Meanwhile, students like me, from humble backgrounds, shone brightly.
Looking back, I realize that my uncle didn’t just teach me about shirts that day. He taught me about contentment, discipline, and focus—values that have shaped the person I am today. And for that, I will forever be grateful to him and the lesson of the old shirt.
Study Guide and Discussion Questions
Study Guide
- Key Themes:
The importance of contentment and asking only for what is necessary.
The dangers of succumbing to peer pressure and unnecessary desires.
The value of discipline and focus in achieving success.
- Characters:
Narrator: A young student tempted by the social distractions of CCAST Bambili.
Monsignor Engelbert: The narrator’s wise and humble uncle and benefactor, who serves as a moral guide.
- Setting:
The story takes place in CCAST Bambili and the St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, highlighting the contrast between the narrator’s humble life and the lavish lifestyles of his peers.
- Message:
True success comes from focus, discipline, and understanding the difference between wants and needs.
- Imagery and Allusions:
References to Geoffrey Chaucer and Jane Austen add depth and universality to the story.
The metaphor of the old shirt symbolizes simplicity and practicality.
Discussion Questions
- Understanding the Story:
Why did the narrator feel tempted to ask for money under false pretenses?
How did Monsignor Engelbert’s response teach the narrator a valuable lesson about life?
- Themes of Contentment:
What does the story teach us about distinguishing between wants and needs?
How can contentment and discipline contribute to success in life?
- Peer Pressure and Distraction:
How does the story illustrate the dangers of peer pressure and social distractions?
Can you think of similar examples in your own life where focusing on essentials led to success?
- Values and Role Models:
How does Monsignor Engelbert serve as a role model for the narrator?
Why is it important to have mentors or guides in life, especially during adolescence?
- Application to Real Life:
How can we apply the lesson of the old shirt to our own lives today?
What are some ways to resist peer pressure and stay focused on our goals?
- Reflection:
Have you ever asked for something you didn’t truly need? What did you learn from the experience?
Who in your life has taught you an important lesson about discipline or contentment?
Conclusion
“The Lesson of the Old Shirt” is a powerful reminder of the value of humility, discipline, and focusing on what truly matters in life. It shows how a wise mentor can guide us away from distractions and temptations, helping us achieve our full potential. Monsignor Engelbert’s timeless advice to his nephew serves as an inspiration for anyone striving to balance ambition with contentment.
