Poetry from Khamzayeva Rukhshona Bakhodirovna

Young Central Asian woman with a white headscarf, black coat, and decorated collar

(ALL MY WORKS ARE DEDICATED TO MY BELOVED TEACHER A.T. KAMILJANOVNA   —- TO THE LIGHT OF MY DARK EDUCATIONAL LIFE.)

You are like a sun ¢ in winter

i mean : we see you very rarely, like the sun in winter, but at every meeting your radiant smile, your eyes filled with warmth warm us, i would like to see the sun * every day I hope to have more sunny days in 2 semester

Don’t take my words as a compliment or sycophancy

As only with you my tongue is connected with my heart

Each

word, each message I share with you, is a melody of my soul.

Missing you is like waiting for spring in the midst of a harsh

winter.❄️

We do not say I miss you… 

Between us, chilly winds still blow,

As if spring got lost in the snow.

You are my sun, my inspiration bright,

But now you shine only in dream’s light.

I’m your ray, breaking through the grey,

Through silence, still seeking the way.

I long for spring to bloom once more,

For my soul to tremble ̶ but not from war.

Let cold fade in the warmth of your hand,

You’re like April ̶ you always withstand.

Even in storms, even apart,

I reach for you, with all my heart.

You Didn’t See….

You didn’t see the love I gave you — 

Pure and bright, like springtime light.

I kept waiting, hoping, dreaming,

That your warmth would make things right.

What’s my fault? — Just standing near you?

Being a ray through storm and snow?

While the ones who hurt with glances

Let their silent anger grow.

I kept quiet — you heard no sorrow,

Just my voice behind a wall.

But you were more than just a moment –

You were spring and sun and all.

And the things between the phrases, 

All the words you didn’t see —

They were more than dreams or silence…

They were simply you and me.

I am Khamzayeva Rukhshona Bakhodirovna, a second-year student at the Faculty of Theory and Practice of English Translation at Silk Road University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Samarkand. My academic and professional interests focus on written and oral translation as well as on the impact of artificial intelligence on contemporary translation practice.

My research interests include translation studies, intercultural communication, advertising and literary translation, and the integration of digital technologies in the language industry. I am the author of analytical and research papers examining the challenges and prospects of the translation profession in the era of digitalization.

In addition to my academic work, I work as a translator in the jewelry industry and participate in international forums and conferences, including events with foreign experts. I am fluent in Russian and English and currently study Turkish. I plan to further develop my professional skills in translation, international relations, and diplomacy.

I am particularly interested in academic writing, public speaking, and cross-cultural communication, and I am committed to continuous professional and intellectual development.

Poetry from Stephen Jarrell Williams

Time Line

She use to shake it

theater style

laughing

having fun

until time reflected

too many views

too many meanings

perhaps not a nice girl

anymore

butt motion

making her

dance draining

her very soul

out on the street

running

escaping

into a church

crying on her knees

no one there

in the middle of the night

asking for forgiveness

tears tapping on the tile floor

so quiet

so still

a candle lit

the light

answering.

Distant Call

Too many neighborhoods

city fences and yards

street signs and corners

schools filling up

and letting out

the day years

wondering nights

growing questions

into the morning rise

tying shoes

and zippers sealing

too many glow screens

at home and school

blurring

thoughts

and decisions

lasting too long

and not long enough

someone telling

everything

with their opinion

until someone sings

truth on the playground.

Footsteps

The kids have had enough

and wondering why

the gates are too easy to open

and too hard to climb

young hands

ready to touch life

so tentative

quick

without thinking

reflexes

ready

for the bell ringing

forever not a trick

always there

near and distant

like a dream

night and day

footsteps

freeing.

Poetry from Türkan Ergör

Young Turkish woman with blonde hair, a headband, a black top, and long necklace.

THEY DIDN’T COME BACK

The truth of life is 

To live with pains 

So many people came 

So many people passed 

From this life 

Some people went before from us 

And They never came back again 

They didn’t inform 

From the future 

They went 

And they didn’t come back.

Türkan Ergör, Sociologist, Philosopher, Writer, Poet, Art Photography Model. Türkan Ergör was born 19 March 1975 in the city of Çanakkale, Türkiye. She was selected International “Best Poet 2020”. She was selected International “Best Poet, Author/Writer 2021”. She was selected International “Best Poet, Writer/Author 2022”. She was awarded the FIRST PRIZE FOR THE OUTSTANDING AUTHOR IN 2022. She was awarded the 2023 “Zheng Nian Cup” “National Literary First Prize” by Beijing Awareness Literature Museum. She was awarded the “Certificate of Honor and Appreciation” and “Crimean Badge” by İSMAİL GASPRİNSKİY SCIENCE AND ART ACADEMY. She was awarded the “14k Gold Pen Award” by ESCRITORES SIN FRONTERAS ORGANIZACIÓN INTERNACIONAL.

Poetry from Dildoraxon Turgʻunboyeva

Young Central Asian woman with long black hair and a gray dress with a white collar holding up a certificate standing in front of a flag.

My Unfulfilled Dream

At dusk one evening came the dreadful news,

In one short moment, hearts were torn and bruised.

My hands and feet began to shake with fear,

My eyes would not rest—pain drew ever near.

A passing soul, now turned into my grief,

A dream unfinished, no hope of relief.

Who is the star now shining in my sky?

Who fills my home where warmth once wandered by?

Who will embrace and whisper, “grandchild dear,”

And hold them close with love so pure and clear?

No longer markets—now the grave I seek,

No longer you—I hug the stones so bleak.

Whom shall I call my grandfather once more?

In this brief world, you are my deepest sore.

I failed to call, not even once in time,

I could not serve you—this remains my crime.

Your tearful eyes I caused without a word,

This single thought has crushed my soul unheard.

I never spoke a final gentle line,

Perhaps I thought that moment wasn’t mine.

I did not hug you, did not say goodbye,

My last true words remain unsaid, a sigh.

In truth, I thought of only me alone,

Today I’m weak, unworthy, overthrown.

One final plea I ask of you, my guide:

Please forgive me—be content inside.

Childhood

I took a pen and paper in my hand,

And wandered through the moments time had planned.

Sweet innocence, so pure and free from care,

A playful youth with laughter in the air.

Mischief-filled hours, joyful and unbound,

Those lively days where endless smiles were found.

In truth, childhood was a kingdom grand,

Where every wish obeyed the heart’s command.

Dildoraxon Turgʻunboyeva is a fourth-year student in the Preschool Education program at the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology of Kokand State University.

Essay from Choriyeva Oynur

Young Central Asian woman with long dark hair up in pigtails. She's got small earrings, a white collared shirt, and a multicolored vest.

The Effects of Overusing Phones on Mental Health

Choriyeva Oynur

Uzbek State World Language University, Faculty of English Philology, 2nd-year student

Annotation:

This article examines the effects of excessive phone use on human mental health. It analyzes the psychological, behavioral, and physical consequences of overuse, including increased anxiety, depressive symptoms, decreased attention, and sleep disturbances. The purpose of the study is to highlight the negative impact of prolonged screen time and emphasize the need to develop healthy digital habits.

Keywords: overall well-being, overusing gadgets, stress, negative effects, human mental health, healthy lifestyle, screen time, depression, isolation, relationship issues.

Introduction:

The advent of smartphones and social media has brought significant changes to modern society, with profound implications for mental health. Smartphones have transformed the ways people communicate, learn, and entertain themselves; however, their constant presence can lead to compulsive use and psychological dependency. Continuous streams of notifications and updates often create a sense of urgency and fear of missing out (FOMO), increasing anxiety and stress levels. Moreover, excessive smartphone use can interfere with sleep quality, an essential component of mental well-being.

Similarly, social media platforms, while offering opportunities for connection and self-expression, can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Frequent comparisons with others and the desire for validation through likes and comments may distort an individual’s self-perception, ultimately leading to decreased self-worth and emotional instability.

Main Body:

Mobile phones and their impact on the mental health of children and young people have increasingly become a subject of concern and academic inquiry. While mobile phones provide numerous advantages—including access to information, communication, and learning tools—they may also pose several risks to psychological well-being. The extent of these effects can vary based on individual factors such as age, frequency of use, and the type of digital content consumed.

Increased Anxiety Levels:

Excessive smartphone use can lead to heightened anxiety, often referred to as “digital detox anxiety,” which occurs when individuals are separated from their phones for extended periods. This anxiety may manifest through physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and heart palpitations. Additionally, delayed responses to messages or missed social media notifications can trigger similar stress.

Social media further exacerbates this issue by encouraging constant comparisons with seemingly perfect lives online. Such comparisons foster feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, increasing stress and anxiety. Individuals addicted to smartphones may spend more time scrolling through social media than engaging in face-to-face interactions, leading to social isolation.

Difficulty Sleeping:

Exposure to blue light emitted by smartphone screens, particularly within two hours of bedtime, can disrupt melatonin production, the hormone responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. This can result in difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep, poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and worsened mental health outcomes. Keeping a smartphone nearby during sleep increases the likelihood of being woken by notifications and elevates pre-sleep stress levels, further impairing sleep quality.

Isolation from Social Interactions:

Smartphone addiction can reduce real-world social engagement with family, friends, and peers. Constantly checking for updates or notifications limits meaningful face-to-face interactions, potentially leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Depression:

Frequent comparisons with idealized social media content can contribute to feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy, which may develop into depression. Prolonged exposure to social media has been linked to higher rates of depressive symptoms, particularly among individuals prone to negative thinking. Withdrawal from smartphone use may also trigger depressive feelings, including loneliness, irritability, fatigue, and frustration, creating a vicious cycle that reinforces mental health challenges.

Decreased Academic or Work Performance:

Overuse of smartphones can negatively affect performance in work or academic settings. Constant checking of notifications or browsing social media detracts from time that should be devoted to tasks, resulting in lower productivity, decreased academic achievement, and increased stress.

Relationship Issues:

Smartphone addiction can strain personal relationships. Frequent phone use in the presence of others may cause feelings of neglect, tension, and conflict. Spending more time online than engaging in meaningful conversations with family or partners can reduce intimacy and weaken emotional bonds.

Conclusion:

Smartphone addiction can significantly impact both personal relationships and work or academic performance. Excessive use often leads to social isolation, reduced face-to-face interactions, and strained relationships with family, friends, or partners. In professional or academic contexts, constant checking of notifications and social media can distract individuals from important tasks, decreasing productivity and increasing stress.

By recognizing the signs of smartphone addiction—such as compulsive checking, anxiety when separated from the device, or neglecting real-world responsibilities—individuals and mental health providers can take proactive steps to manage usage effectively. Interventions may include setting screen-time limits, scheduling digital detox periods, and promoting alternative offline activities that encourage social engagement, physical activity, and relaxation.

With consistent effort and dedication, it is possible to reduce the negative effects of smartphone addiction, fostering a healthier balance between technology use and real-world responsibilities. Cultivating self-awareness and practicing mindful technology use can significantly improve mental well-being, interpersonal relationships, and overall quality of life.

References:

https://ensorahealth.com/blog/how-do-smartphones-affect-mental-health/

Yang, Z., Huang, J., Li, Z., … The effect of smartphone addiction on the relationship between psychological stress reaction and bedtime procrastination in young adults during the COVID‑19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry, 23, 813 (2023). 

Park, J.‑Y., va Yoo, H. Smartphone addiction and its psychopathological consequences: behavioural, social and physical effects. (Kemas 19 (2), 2023

Alzhrani, A., Elsheikh, B., va boshqalar, Effect of Excessive Smartphone Usage on Sleep Quality and Psychological Distress Among Healthcare Students. IAPS Journal of Practice in Mental Health (2024)

Essay from Sobirova Iroda Аbdulaziz qizi

Young Central Asian woman with a dark coat, long dark hair up in a bun, standing in a long marble hallway.

Tashkent University of Humanitarian
Sciences 2nd-year student
Sobirova Iroda Аbdulaziz qizi
U��

Innovative Directions for Entrepreneurship Development: Theoretical

Foundations and Practical Strategies

Abstract
The article reveals the essence and significance of innovative entrepreneurship as a key factor in economic development. It analyzes the main innovative directions for the development of entrepreneurship, including digitalization, technological, and
social innovations. Based on the mechanisms of state support for the innovative activity of small and medium-sized businesses and world experience (for example, Japan), proposals and recommendations have been developed.


Keywords: Innovative Entrepreneurship, Digital Economy, Product Innovation, Technological Innovation, Social Innovation, Venture Capital, Technoparks.

Introduction
In the transition to an innovative path of economic development, entrepreneurship, especially small business, plays a crucial role. Success in modern market conditions is not limited to effective management of existing resources but also requires the search for new ideas and their implementation in practice (innovative activity) (Source 1.1). The objective of the article is to scientifically and
theoretically substantiate the innovative directions for entrepreneurship development and to propose effective strategies for their implementation.


Essence and Types of Innovative Entrepreneurship
One of the main tasks of entrepreneurship is creativity and the pursuit of creating new products (services) (Source 1.1). Innovative entrepreneurship is the initiative that introduces new products to the market, implements new production technologies, or brings in new forms of business organization.


There are three main types of innovative entrepreneurship, aimed at different goals (Source 2.3):

  1. Product Innovations: Renewal of the company’s sales potential, expansion of market share, and creation of new jobs.
  2. Technology Innovations: Saving energy and raw materials, increasing labor productivity, and renewing production capacity.
  3. Social Innovations: Improving the social environment of the enterprise, mobilizing employees towards a common goal, and enhancing the organization’s reputation.

Priority Innovative Directions for Entrepreneurship Development
The main directions for the development of modern entrepreneurship include:

  1. Digital Technologies and Digitalization
    In the context of the digital economy, creating a favorable business environment for the development of innovative entrepreneurship is highly relevant. This includes the application of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud technologies, Big Data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) into business processes.
    Digitalization also enables the development of remote work forms, which serves to increase work efficiency (Sources 1.5, 1.6).
  2. Innovative Development of Education and Human Resources Potential Modern approaches to preparing for entrepreneurial activity, especially the use of business simulation programs (training for the future), are important. This helps young people gain interest and practical skills for starting their own business. The government’s intention to integrate entrepreneurship holistically into the entire
    education system also indicates the priority of this direction (Sources 1.3, 2.5).

  1. Institutional Support and Infrastructure
    The role of the state in regulating and stimulating the development of innovative entrepreneurial activity is significant. Key directions include:
     Developing the venture capital market.
     Establishing technoparks, innovation centers, and clusters (Sources 2.1, 2.4).
     Improving the system of tax incentives for entrepreneurs engaged in innovative activities (Source 1.5).

  2. Conclusion and Recommendations
    The innovative development of entrepreneurship is a prerequisite for ensuring the country’s economic progress. This process should primarily be aimed at the commercialization of new ideas and increasing the innovative activity of small businesses.
  3. Practical Recommendations:
  4. Expanding Innovative Infrastructure: It is advisable to increase the number of innovation centers in the regions and support local industrial enterprises involved in technological innovations (Source 2.6).

  1. Stimulating Demand for Innovations: Ensuring a comprehensive system for the creation of new types of products and innovative technologies from the idea stage to the final consumer.
  2. Implementing Foreign Experience: Deeply studying and implementing the experience of developed countries, such as Japan, in developing regional innovative entrepreneurship (technopolises, research centers) (Source 2.7).

    List of References (Bibliography)
  3. Textbooks, Monographs, and Publications
  4. Schumpeter, J. A. (2007). The Theory of Economic Development: An Inquiry into Profits, Capital, Credit, Interest, and the Business Cycle. Moscow: Eksmo. (For the theoretical foundations of innovative entrepreneurship).
  5. Freeman, C. (2011). The Economics of Industrial Innovation. Moscow: Infra-M. (To cover the impact of technological innovation on the economy).
  6. Porter, M. E. (2011). Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing
    Industries and Competitors. Moscow: Alpina Publisher. (For analyzing competition and innovative advantage).

Scientific Articles and Journals

  1. Kadirov, A. Z. (2020). The role of innovations in the development of small business and private entrepreneurship. Iqtisodiyot va innovation texnologiyalar (Economics and Innovative Technologies), (1), 240–255. (To include local experience).
  2. Nabiev, N. N. (2021). Directions for the development of innovative
    entrepreneurial activity in the conditions of the digital economy. Moliya va bank ishi (Finance and Banking), (3), 78–85. (To cover the digitalization direction).

  1. Saidov, M. A. (2019). Mechanisms for increasing the innovative activity of business entities. Bozor, pul va kredit (Market, Money, and Credit), (6), 55–63.
  2. Statistical Compilations, Reports, and Internet Sources
  3. Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-60 of January 28, 2022, “On the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022–2026”. National Database of Legislation. (To substantiate state strategic directions).
  4. OECD. (2021). Entrepreneurship at a Glance 2021. Paris: OECD
    Publishing. (For international experience and statistical data).
  5. World Bank. (2020). Digital Economy for Development (DE4D) Project Report. Washington, D.C.: World Bank Group. (To analyze the impact of digital technologies).
  6. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2023). Global
    Innovation Index 2023 Report. Geneva: WIPO. (To include global
    innovation ranking data).

Short story from Bill Tope and Doug Hawley

Her Sister’s Funeral

On the day of her sister’s funeral, long after the service, Bailey sat in the rain while the workmen backfilled Emily’s grave. In deference to Bailey, the men said nothing. Only their shovels made whispering sounds as they moved the soil. Four dozen metal folding chairs had been set up to accommodate the mourners but they were now empty and slick and shiny with the rain. Bailey watched plumes of her frosty breath as she exhaled on the frigid February afternoon.

How could Emily have died, wondered Bailey for the hundreth time. She had been only seventeen, two years younger than Bailey, and an honors student in her high school, where she had been a senior. In just three months, Emily would have graduated and joined her sister at college. She had planned to study nursing, like Bailey.

But Bailey knew exactly how her sister had died. She had accepted a ride on the back of her mother’s boyfriend, Chris’s motorcycle. Emily was afraid of motorcycles and absolutely refused to ride them. Unlike Bailey, Emily was rather timid. And Chris, Bailey knew, was forever on Emily’s back to “open up” and “experience life” and all that nonsense. He was always trying to change the girls into something resembling their mother, she supposed. What was up with that?

Chris had seemed alright, a good companion to their mother and he hadn’t been a bad guy.  He had a sort of endearing goofiness. He was tall and had coarse red hair and a really ugly red beard and Clark Kent glasses. When he and Mom were going out, he’d say stuff like, “Don’t smoke crack” and “Don’t burn the house down.”

He had finally convinced her little sister to ride along with him and then, on icy streets, Chris was showing off on his bike, taking turns too fast, and the bike spilled over. Emily’s helmet wasn’t fastened properly–and that too was Chris’s fault–and it came off when she fell. She struck her head on the pavement. It was horrible.  At the funeral home they had had a closed casket.

Chris had barely a scratch, but Bailey’s precious sister and best friend, was killed instantly. Her mother was stricken, but she never blamed Chris, maintaining that it was a “call from God.”  What bullshit, thought Bailey bitterly. She knew who was responsible. Damn him. And Chris and her mom were set to get married after Emily left for school, and finally settle down, but for Bailey, things would never, ever be the same again.  

Bailey hated Chris and by extension her mother, his enabler, his apologist, his piece of ass! Bailey shook her head. She could never go back to that house. It was no longer her home.  Chris had practically taken over, insinuating himself into their lives over the past three years. He had already driven her brother Brandon from the home. Two years older than Bailey, he was living across town with his girlfriend. Bailey would catch her train for school tonight and never return. She was on a full scholarship and didn’t need anything from them. She wouldn’t even say good-bye, she vowed. The wind was stirring; Bailey felt cold and she huddled closer inside her jacket.

She dissolved in tears, her rage giving way to sorrow. She had thought she was cried out. Everyone cried, all the time. Except for Chris. She hadn’t seen him shed a single tear and worse, he had never taken responsibility for the accident; he’d never once even said he was sorry! For that she couldn’t, wouldn’t forgive him. Ever. And dismay gave way to anger once more. She looked up suddenly and there, pinioned against the darkening sky, like a statue, stood a man, tall, in a green Army jacket and with coarse red hair, a really ugly red beard: Chris.  

“Bailey?” he said softly. She turned away. He stood before her.  

“What do you want, Chris?” she spat bitterly.

“I came for you; your mom’s worried,” he replied.

“I don’t care,” she said harshly. “I hate you!” She bared her teeth.

“I know,” he said quietly. “So do I.”

She startled a little, looked up at him suspiciously.

“Ever since the accident,” he added, I’ve hated everything about myself.”

“Are you going to get your bike fixed?” she asked with a touch of cruelty.

He shook his head no. “No,” he replied, “even sad old dogs like me can learn new tricks. I just pray it’s not too late.”

“Don’t worry, Mom’s forgiven you already,” she said spitefully.

“She knows I’d never purposely do anything to hurt someone she loved. Someone I love.”

She glanced quickly up at him again. “You really do love her, don’t you, Chris?” she asked, almost desperately.  

“I love you all,” he answered. “And I loved Emily. And Bailey:  I. Am. So. Sorry!”

She peered closely at him.  There were tears swimming in his sky-blue eyes, which were easily his best feature. Bailey took a deep, shuddering breath, and said, “I believe you, Chris.”

With tears continuing to fall from his eyes, he held out his big hand. “Let’s go home, Bailey.”  They walked, hand in hand, from the cemetery just as the light rain transformed into large, beautiful flakes of snow.

Bailey and her mother Sue didn’t speak about Emily or Chris for the next week.  

Bailey finally had to know. “Mom, did you and Chris break up?”

“No,” said Sue, “but he said he needed some time.  It was hard for him to face me.”

“Do you want him back, Mom?”

“Bailey, you don’t know how much I depend on him.”

Bailey didn’t respond, but called Chris the next day.  Chris came over within the hour.

“Bailey told me you missed me, Sue,” Chris told his girlfriend.  “You have no idea how much I missed you.  I thought after what happened, you’d never want to see me again.”

“I need you more than ever, Chris, replied Sue.  “I just hope if all of us stick together we can get through this as a family.”

“Before this happened I wanted to marry you,” Chris said. “I still do, but I don’t know what Bailey thinks.  She may not want me around.”

“Chris, it’s enough for me to know that it’s what Mom wants,” Bailey told Chris when he put the question to her later.  “I think we’ll all be better together.”

Without another word, Sue called Brandon.  “What would you think of Chris as a stepfather?” she asked her son.

“Come on, mom, you know I always liked him.” 

Chris, listening on the extension, smiled with relief.

Chris and Sue got married by a justice of the peace the next day with just immediate family and Brandon’s girlfriend, who was flower girl.