Essay from Feruza Otaboyeva

VOLUNTEERING — GENUINE HELP OR JUST FOR A CV?

Feruza Otaboyeva

First-year student of Urgench State University

In today’s highly developed 21st century, the concept of volunteering has also reached a high level. However, there are people who do it sincerely from the heart, as well as those who do it only for personal benefit. So, what should be the real purpose of volunteering?

First of all, volunteering improves the lives of many people and benefits society. For example, by providing social and economic support to poor people and the elderly, we can improve their living conditions, even if only slightly. This proves that volunteering should be done sincerely and wholeheartedly. Moreover, by becoming volunteers, we can contribute to improving the condition of our mother nature. There are many ways to do this, such as protecting nature, caring for animals, cleaning streets and canals, and participating in environmental campaigns. By taking part in such activities, each of us should realize our human responsibility. It is not without reason that in Uzbekistan, state and non-state organizations are encouraged to participate in community clean-up activities every Saturday during certain seasons. The main purpose behind this is to awaken humanity, responsibility, and a sense of involvement in social issues among people.

However, there is another side to the issue. Nowadays, many people, especially young people, participate in volunteering mainly for their CVs. They treat volunteering as something done only for appearance’s sake. To put it more openly, many participate only if they are guaranteed a certificate or some other proof that can strengthen their CV. The reason for this is that prestigious universities, international colleges, and famous companies often ask applicants about their volunteering experience. Unfortunately, some people misunderstand this and simply go to events to take photos without making any real contribution. However, those respected organizations are not looking for empty photos or documents; they are looking for genuine individuals who can truly benefit society in the future.

In addition, some people publicly display every good deed they do by posting it on social media. In such cases, their main purpose is not necessarily their CV, but rather gaining popularity and improving their public image.

As for my own opinion, volunteering itself means “doing work willingly,” and from this we can understand that it should be done voluntarily and sincerely without expecting any benefit in return. Even if we do not expect anything, volunteering still provides many advantages. For example, for young people, it can serve as preparation for real life and provide valuable life experience. Modern forms of volunteering, such as translation or interpreting activities, can help us gain useful professional experience for the future. Moreover, volunteering can develop feelings such as kindness, compassion, friendship, and gratitude. For instance, by caring for sick people, we can learn to care about others and appreciate what we already have.

In conclusion, volunteering should mainly be an activity done sincerely and willingly by a person. It offers many benefits, such as gaining experience and developing gratitude. Of course, volunteering is also useful for a CV — that is true — but we should include only the volunteering activities we genuinely participated in, not photos or evidence taken merely to deceive others.

Essay from Nazarova Hamida

The Harmony of Humanistic Feelings in the Works of Abay and Navoi
Nazarova Hamida

Teacher of Native Language and Literature
Scientific Supervisor: Eshnazar Jabborov


Although Abay and Navoi lived in different eras, it is not difficult to notice similarities in their lives, creative activities, and moral as well as didactic views. According to historical sources, Alisher Navoi
received a very large salary during the reign of Husayn Bayqaro, yet he did not spend this wealth on himself. Instead, he used these funds every day to provide financial assistance to widows, the poor,
and needy people.

During his time as a statesman, Navoi issued fair decrees in order to improve the living conditions of the population and financed the construction of bridges, bathhouses, hospitals, and other public service buildings at his own expense. Navoi carried out many charitable deeds for the welfare of the people. In particular, through various instructive stories in his works, he beautifully and clearly explained to rulers and princes that thinking about the interests of the people and governing with justice are the highest duties of a ruler.


Abay Qunanbayuli was also a person ready to do anything for his fellow villagers. When we examine his life path, we can clearly see that, like Navoi, he never withheld either moral or material support from people in need. In Mukhtar Auezov’s novel “The Path of Abay”, we can witness how noble and generous Abay was. At the same time, history records that these two great poets were sometimes
viewed with hostility. Even during his lifetime, some of Abay’s close associates treated him unfairly. In “The Path of Abay”, when ordinary people suffered under the burden of heavy taxes, Abay defended
innocent poor people and was severely oppressed by local officials for doing so.

Even in such situations, he did not abandon his principles and continued helping those in need. He sincerely struggled for the enlightenment of his people. Through his poems, he called upon the nation to become educated and live in harmony with the spirit of the times.


In the Resolution No. PQ-3598 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated March 13, 2018, it was emphasized that the immortal heritage of great scholars such as Abay Qunanbayuli carries increasingly important significance for our peoples. Considering the great contribution of his literary works, exemplary life, and social activities to the development of culture, proposals were approved to widely study and promote the creative heritage of the great Kazakh poet and thinker Abay Qunanbayuli.


Abay and Navoi considered serving the people to be the greatest happiness in life. Both poets valued honest service to the people, human virtues, justice, and pure love above any rank or position.


Navoi wrote:
“Turn away from rank toward ranklessness,
Ranklessness is better than any position.”


Abay said:
“A great position is like a high cliff.
Even a snake may climb it if it crawls tirelessly.”


The fact that one gave up ministership and the other abandoned local authority demonstrates how similar their life principles were.
The following excerpt from Mukhtar Auezov’s novel reveals Abay’s courage and nobility:


“They say that a brave man is tested in hardship. Your words lifted my spirits. If danger comes, my companions are ready to sacrifice themselves for me. Why should I fear death? There is no punishment
or anger that can truly harm me.”


These lines reveal the hidden aspects of Abay’s personality.


The following words spoken by Suhayl in Navoi’s “Sab’ai Sayyor” also glorify bravery and nobility:


“If you displayed dog-like behavior,
I shall show you true manliness.”


Navoi glorified labor and encouraged people to work. In his “Farhod and Shirin”, he wrote:


“What use is preserving my skill,
If in the end I carry it into the soil?”


Abay similarly wrote:
“If you work tirelessly,
Your stomach will be full without begging.”


Navoi glorified the power of words:
“The jewel of speech possesses such honor
That no shell can compare to it.”


In Abay’s works too, great importance is given to speech and eloquence:
“If you speak carefully, everyone will respect you.


Wise elders speak with proverbs.”
The feelings of friendship and love are harmoniously reflected in the works of Navoi and Abay.


The lines “Do not be merely your father’s child, be a child of humanity” have become a slogan understood by both Uzbek and Kazakh peoples. These words show that the idea of the perfect human being was an eternal theme for both great thinkers.


All this demonstrates that Abay constantly benefited from the works of great scholars such as Firdawsi, Nizami, Navoi, and Babur, considering them his teachers and showing them great respect.


Although Navoi and Abay belonged to Turkic-speaking nations, the humanism and tolerance reflected in their works prove that such feelings transcend nationality.


References

  1. Mallaev N. History of Uzbek Literature. Tashkent: Teacher Publishing House, 1976.
  2. Auezov M. The Path of Abay. Tashkent, 1957.
  3. Auezov M. Excerpts from Abay, Book 2. Tashkent, 1953.
  4. Alisher Navoi. G’aroyib us-sig’ar. Tashkent, 1988.
  5. Alisher Navoi. Farhod and Shirin. Tashkent, 1991.
  6. Alisher Navoi. Layli and Majnun. Tashkent, 1992

Prose and art from Brian Michael Barbeito

The Cold Earth Blues and Hues 

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Night so long, howling winds vexatious and loud. Night so cold, the earth covered in blackness and only there the odd industrial grade light throwing off some yellow and whitish glow to show the falling snow. Strange dreams. Try and remember them. They fade as anyone knows. Finally, the firmament begins to lighten so faintly and almost indistinctly. 

But it’s there. What? The hope for day. The sun at least. Light. Evergreens stoic and robust stay green. This is a gift to the eyes and a gift to earth. Read sacred texts. Delve within. Touch the books with the hands. Hold them tight sometimes. There are still clouds. Time will pass. There are four seasons. One must go through each. That is the way of things. Winter frozen and blue, sometimes seemingly unforgiving. 

One day spring will smile through rain and the idea of blooms again. Find us eventually in the summer after, the meadow mystical and those trails and oh the birds loquacious and agile living everywhere. Even that though it was thought it would never end, gives way to autumn and its soul and spirit. See the leaves yellow brown and red fallen and dancing for the winds of those times. 

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Essay from Zinnura Yo‘ldoshaliyeva

To Risk or Not to Risk?
Its Role in Our Lives: Benefits and Drawbacks


Abstract: This article analyzes the concept of risk-taking as an integral part of life, exploring its positive and negative dimensions and its overall impact on human development.
Keywords: Risk, life balance, experience, growth, choice.


Life is an invaluable blessing (bebaho ne’mat) bestowed upon us. However, not everyone perceives this gift in the same way. Many imagine life as a smooth and straight path, but the reality is that it never remains linear. It is filled with rugged terrains (o‘nqir-cho‘nqir), unexpected highs and lows, and sudden turns. In these moments, we stand at a crossroads: we can either remain stagnant or take a risk and step forward.


Taking a risk is not merely the absence of fear; it is the act of moving forward despite uncertainty. It plays a fundamental role in our lives because risk-taking can transform us—not just materially, but also spiritually. It leads us to what I call the “worth side” of life.
Every risk we take opens a new door. If we never step out of our comfort zone, we will never truly discover who we are or what we are capable of achieving. If we look at the lives of successful individuals, we see that at some point, they were all willing to put everything on the line and take a leap of faith.


Of course, every coin has two sides. Blind or reckless risk-taking can lead a person toward a precipice. Actions taken without a plan or careful calculation result in a loss of not only time but also vital life resources. Therefore, it is essential to distinguish the thin line between brave risk-taking and sheer recklessness.


In conclusion, one should not be afraid of taking risks, but those risks must be “smart” or calculated. Every “up and down” in life provides a lesson. Even if a risk does not yield the expected result, it leaves us stronger, more experienced, and wiser. After all, doing nothing just to avoid losing anything is, in itself, the greatest risk in life.
In my opinion, truly living means overcoming fear and taking that bold step toward new opportunities.

Does Money Bring Happiness, or Is Happiness Found in Money?
The Balance Between Material Wealth and Spiritual Peace


Abstract: This article analyzes one of the most debated topics in modern society: the relationship between money and happiness. It examines the role of financial resources in improving the quality of life, while also highlighting the vital importance of human relationships in defining true happiness.
Keywords: Happiness, money, opportunity, family values, quality of life, balance.

   In today’s fast-paced era, money has become one of the most powerful instruments in human life. Society is constantly engaged in debates surrounding the concepts of money and happiness: while some argue that “money buys happiness,” others maintain that “true happiness cannot be measured by wealth.” In my view, while money is not the sole source of joy, it serves as an essential foundation that provides the conditions and opportunities necessary for a fulfilling life.


  On one hand, money plays a decisive role in our existence. It is difficult to imagine a comfortable life without material well-being. Primarily, wealth grants us access to quality education, modern medical services, and the ability to travel the world. As noted in my reflections, money makes life more “colorful.” For instance, engaging in a favorite hobby or working on personal development requires a certain level of financial freedom. Money is not just paper; it is a tool that serves us in reaching our highest goals.

  However, there are aspects of life that no amount of wealth can purchase. No matter how rich a person may be, it is difficult for them to feel truly happy if they lack sincere friends, a loving family, and inner peace. Psychological studies show that individuals who spend quality time with loved ones—despite having lower incomes—often feel more content than those who are wealthy but lonely. This suggests that the roots of happiness lie not in bank accounts, but in human connections and the richness of our inner world.


   In conclusion, money and happiness are not contradictory concepts; rather, they complement each other. While money opens doors to comfort, security, and new opportunities, it cannot entirely fill the human soul. True happiness is the balance between material maturity and spiritual wealth. Therefore, in life, one should not only pursue wealth but also cherish the peace of the heart and the relationships we share with those closest to us

Time: An Unstoppable Force and the Fairest Resource

Why Do Some Succeed While Others Fall Behind?

Abstract: This article analyzes the most limited resource available to humanity: the concept of time. It emphasizes the art of time management, its role in achieving success, and the fundamental reason why time can never be “purchased.”
Keywords: Time, opportunity, discipline, future, investment, life balance.

Introduction: The Most Precious Investment

In this world, almost anything can be reacquired—lost wealth can be rebuilt, and material possessions can be replaced—but time is the one exception. Time is the most fairly distributed asset in the universe; whether a monarch or a humble student, everyone is granted the same 24 hours a day. However, how one utilizes these hours determines their future and their place in the world. In my view, to manage your time is, in essence, to manage your life.

“Investing” Time vs. “Spending” It

Most people simply “pass” or “spend” their time. However, those who achieve true success view time as an investment. For example, a single book read today or a new language learned is time invested toward future prosperity.  Organizing time effectively—specifically, distinguishing between what is “important” and what is merely “urgent”—not only yields results but also helps smooth out the “rugged terrains”  of our life’s journey.
The Cost of Procrastination

One of the greatest enemies in human life is procrastination. Every task labeled with “I will do it tomorrow” is, in reality, a lost opportunity. Time flows like water; when we eventually look back, we may find ourselves burdened only by the regret of unfinished business. Therefore, valuing the present moment and spending every second productively leads an individual toward spiritual and professional maturity.

Conclusion: Today Is Your Opportunity

In conclusion, time is the greatest trust  bestowed upon us. How we choose to spend it is a direct reflection of our character. Mastering time management provides us not only with success but also creates the necessary space for our families and the hobbies we love. Remember: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift.

Zinnura Yo‘ldoshaliyeva was born on June 17, 2011, in Rishton district, Fergana region. She is currently an 8th-grade student at the Fergana branch of the specialized school named after Muhammad al-Khwarizmi. She actively participates in various educational and intellectual projects. In particular, she has taken part in “Anim Camp,” “Future Founders Online Forum,” “Young Reader,” as well as regional stages of STEM subjects. Her scientific article was published in a collection titled “Feelings on Paper,” while several other articles have been published in the journal “Synchronized Chaos.” In addition, she has participated in many other projects and initiatives, demonstrating her strong scientific interest and leadership skills.

Poetry from Kholboyev Mashrab

My mother’s prayer

My mother’s prayer — a golden light in my heart,

Whenever I fall ill, her words become my cure.

If I stumble — she becomes my support, wishing me success,

She prays for me each time I set out on a journey.

Even in the darkest night, she waits for me with hope,

If I have pain, she is the remedy — my radiant mother.

When my eyes fill with tears, she gently wipes them away,

One strong prayer from her — and my life fills with happiness.

Her words are simple, yet filled with deep wisdom,

In every prayer, she always wishes me victory.

“May my child be safe,” — with her hands raised in prayer,

She lifts my spirit, guiding me through shining paths.

My roads are long, yet I cannot always reach you, dear mother,

May my steps not falter — I walk the right path, mother.

Your son, in whom you believe, will not break, dear mother,

My mother’s prayer — forever my strength.

Do not ask of my wealth — my treasure is my mother,

Her prayers always support and protect me.

No riches in the world could ever equal this blessing,

As long as I have her prayers — my life is paradise.

You proudly say, “I have a son, Mashrab,”

Just wait, dear mother — my time will also come.

These days will pass — I am being patient, mother,

Always keep me in your prayers, my angel, my mother.

Essay from Oʻrinboyeva Ziynatjon

The most widely used big data and database concepts in the current era attract everyone’s attention. There are five main features that distinguish Big Data from the database. First of all, the volume of data is much larger than the database, that is, what was considered 100 gigabytes in the initial period is now measured in terabytes and petabytes. Secondly, each piece of information must have a certain value. That is, it is important that each piece of collected data has certain values. Third, ensuring that data in large databases is accurate and reliable, and that each piece of data is accurate and of high quality, is one of the most important issues.

Fourth, it is important that the data in a large database does not consist of only one type. For example, only relational tables are used in the database. Big data includes text, audio, video, and sensor data. Fifth, and most importantly, the speed of the data, that is, each piece of data must be created at high speed. And this is analyzed in real time in a large database. So, big data is any constantly changing set of data collected from any large-scale sources. Large amounts of data are usually measured in exabytes, terabytes, and petabytes.

Everyone is wondering how this term came about. The term “big data” was popularized in 2008 by Nature editor Clifford Lynch in an article about the rapid growth of data. The term big data emerged in 2008, but before that, 5 exabytes of data were collected by 2003, according to IDC. By 2025, this figure will reach 185 exabytes. 1 exabyte = 1 billion gigabytes. It is clear that the rapid increase in users on social media, the use of artificial intelligence in the economy and banking sectors, and the digitization of every industry are leading to an increase in the size of the database.

The most important thing is that large amounts of data are not just collected, but processed. And in the case of the above-mentioned features, it is processed. It is important to ensure that any information is reliable, and that the collected data retains its value for later use. We mainly use Apache and NoSQL systems for big data processing. Apache processes large amounts of data very quickly, allowing for real-time analysis in a short period of time. Essentially, Apache Spark processes data in RAM, not on disk. The ML library is also available in Apache Spark, which we need the most. NoSQL is a state-of-the-art database created to store large amounts of data as well as data in a variety of formats (videos,images,audios,sensors).Unlike SQL we used in the database itself.

Because the database is mainly relational tables, it is convenient to use SQL. NoSQL can also contain data in different formats. The term big data can be used in conjunction with the term machine learning. As the name suggests, machine learning is when a machine learns from data. ML collects data in real time and clears unnecessary data from memory. There are several ML algorithms in big data analysis. In this case, each algorithm performs a specific task. Regression algorithms are mainly used to forecast market prices and demand.

Artificial neural networks analyze complex data based on artificial intelligence. In conclusion, the use of ML in large data gives us several advantages and disadvantages: it analyzes large data quickly, provides transparency, performs decision-making processes without human intervention, is constantly updated, further increases the efficiency of work in Banking, Economics, e-commerce and medicine. One disadvantage is that each algorithm requires large volumes of data and powerful servers. So, when we use any systems, we need to thoroughly study them and be able to correctly use large amounts of data if we make the right decisions.

Oʻrinboyeva Ziynatjon, Uzbekistan 

Poetry from Mesfakus Salahin

South Asian man with reading glasses and red shoulder length hair. He's got a red collared shirt on.
Mesfakus Salahin

‎Tears of the Burning Sun on the Chin

‎Mesfakus Salahin

‎Bangladesh

‎Many  springs’ youth melodies fly away

‎Beautiful days lose their address in pride

‎Butterflies do not touch the mirror

‎Good times are swept away by the wrong current

‎Hungry dreams hang on the wings of grasshoppers

‎The mind of a bumblebee is swaying in the water

‎The lotus and the snail do not tell stories with the pond

‎The tears of the sun burned on the wind’s chin

‎The lover’s cup has stopped

‎The beloved word falls and shadows

‎The breath of the rose sleeps in the silence

‎And our love.

‎Every beauty loses its color, when spring fades;

‎Every spring loses its color, beauty fades;

‎Hiding oneself means

‎Not hiding from the heart of the reality

‎Who in the world wants captivity?

‎Neither you, nor I;

‎To be freed from captivity, the rose flutters

‎Who will give the ransom of its fragrance?

‎Come then, we spread out our mats of hearts

‎And pour life on the back of time.