Annotation

This article discusses the attention and opportunities directed by our state towards women, young people with disabilities, and socially vulnerable groups of the population so that the youth of our society can grow up as healthy, educated, hardworking, and independent-minded individuals.

Key words: Society, youth, neighborhood, state, gender equality, power, women, leader.

Today, young people have become a significant part of society who form state authority, influence the internal and external policies of the country, and actively participate in its activities. The role of youth in the relations between the state and society is noticeably increasing. In Uzbekistan as well, this indicator is steadily growing.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, emphasized:
“We will continue the state policy regarding youth firmly and consistently. Moreover, we will not only continue but also raise this policy to the highest level as one of our most important priorities, in line with modern requirements. For our youth to become independent thinkers, with high intellectual and spiritual potential, who are not inferior to their peers in any field worldwide, and to live happily — our state and society will mobilize all their strength and opportunities.”
[Mirziyoyev Sh.M. Together We Will Build a Free, Prosperous and Democratic Uzbekistan. Tashkent: “Uzbekistan,” 2016, p.14].

This is one of the greatest examples of the attention given to youth.

Since the future, development, and progress of countries are in the hands of young people, it is important to note the international concepts and terms regarding youth. Each country sets its own age limits for youth. For example, in the USA and Japan, people aged 13–14 up to 29–30 are considered youth; in Bulgaria, 15 to 29; in Russia, 15 to 30; in Germany, “younger youth” are 14–18 and “older youth” are 18–27. According to Article 3 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On State Youth Policy,” citizens from the age of 14 up to 30 are classified as youth [http://blog.xabar.uz/post/yoshlar-orasida-huquqiy-savodxonlikni-oshirishda-huquqiy-ta-lim].

This shows that a large portion of the population of Uzbekistan consists of youth. It is therefore necessary to focus on the opportunities provided to them.

In Uzbekistan, various opportunities are being created to enhance the role of youth and raise them as important figures for the future of the state. For instance, democratic reforms were introduced into the management system of neighborhood institutions. New management mechanisms were created, a vertical system for working with youth was established, and problems of young people are now addressed directly within neighborhoods. In order to increase the efficiency of educational and upbringing activities, the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Measures for the Fundamental Improvement of the System of Working with Youth in Neighborhoods” (PQ-92, January 19, 2022) was adopted [https://lex.uz/uz/docs/-5831865].

According to this decree, the position of “Youth Leader” was introduced in every neighborhood. Databases such as the “Youth Balance,” “Youth Register,” and the “Youth Portal” were established, with responsibilities assigned to youth leaders. Material assistance, housing subsidies, partial coverage of tuition fees, and support for vocational training and driver’s courses are also being provided.

A significant part of these opportunities is allocated to women. By the Presidential Decree “On Measures to Further Accelerate Systematic Support for Families and Women” (PF-87, March 7, 2022) [https://lex.uz/docs/-5899498], systematic reforms are being carried out to protect women’s rights and interests, increase their social, political, and economic activity, ensure gender equality, and engage women in entrepreneurship.

In the field of education, many opportunities are being created. For example, socially active youth receive privileges when applying to universities. A Presidential grant is awarded to the top 200 students with the highest entrance exam scores. Students studying under contracts are provided with education loans, and for active students or those who have completed military service, 35% of their tuition is reimbursed. The introduction of the “Youth Register” has also raised youth policy to a new stage [https://pm.gov.uz/oz/lists/view/2117].

As a result, thousands of unemployed youth in need of social, psychological, and economic support have been registered and provided with targeted assistance.

The First President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, stated:
“The future of our Motherland, the destiny of our people, and the reputation of our country in the world community, first of all, depends on how our children will grow up, what kind of people they will become, and how they will enter life. We must never forget this truth.”
[Karimov I. High Spirituality is an Invincible Power. Tashkent: “Ma’naviyat,” 2008].

This means that it is essential to teach young people how to find their place in life and make effective use of the opportunities available to them.

Attention is also given to youth with disabilities. According to the Presidential Decree (PQ-74, February 27, 2023) [https://www.lex.uz/docs/6391378], individuals with disabilities and their caregivers are granted priority in receiving state services, as well as strengthened legal guarantees and legal support.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has noted:
“Building a New Uzbekistan is not just a desire or a subjective phenomenon, but an objective necessity based on historical foundations, current political, legal, socio-economic, and spiritual realities, and the age-old aspirations of our people. The driving force of our reforms is the knowledge, abilities, and potential of our citizens.”
[Mirziyoyev Sh. The Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan. Tashkent: “Uzbekistan,” 2022].

Conclusion

Indeed, the opportunities and attention provided to youth serve as the strongest motivator for us to move forward. If every young person knows how to properly use these opportunities, they will undoubtedly grow into specialists who contribute greatly to the prosperity of our country.

The expansion of educational institutions such as “Presidential Schools,” “Creative Schools,” and “Temurbek Schools” demonstrates the country’s commitment to raising competitive personnel. Youth are also being supported to start businesses through loans, provided with professional training, and ensured employment.

Great importance is also attached to sports, as our compatriots proudly raise the flag of Uzbekistan at international competitions. Special attention is paid to youth with disabilities, who also achieve remarkable success as athletes, artists, teachers, businessmen, and political leaders.

Thus, it is clear that opportunities in Uzbekistan are balanced for all citizens, regardless of whether they are healthy or disabled. This gives us, the youth, great pride and motivation.

The continuous reforms and conditions created for us inspire satisfaction and confidence in our future, ensuring that Uzbekistan develops into a prosperous state with educated, skilled, and active youth.

References

1. Mirziyoyev Sh.M. Together We Will Build a Free, Prosperous and Democratic Uzbekistan. Tashkent: “Uzbekistan,” 2016.
2. Karimov I. High Spirituality is an Invincible Power. Tashkent: “Ma’naviyat,” 2008.
3. Mirziyoyev Sh. The Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan. Tashkent: “Uzbekistan,” 2022.
4. http://blog.xabar.uz/post/yoshlar-orasida-huquqiy-savodxonlikni-oshirishda-huquqiy-ta-lim
5. Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan PQ-92, January 19, 2022. https://lex.uz/uz/docs/-5831865
6. On Improving the System of Working with Youth in Neighborhoods. http://lex.uz/uz/docs/-5831865
7. Presidential Decree PF-87, March 7, 2022. https://lex.uz/docs/-5899498
8. Youth of New Uzbekistan: Opportunities and Prospects. https://pm.gov.uz/oz/lists/view/2117
9. Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan PQ-74, February 27, 2023. https://www.lex.uz/docs/6391378

Contributor Abigail George would like to share a new project of hers: a blog called Mentally Sound that features articles, updates, a magazine, poetry, and uplifting music. In this day and age, so many things can affect our mental health. Please feel free to join the blog and blog about your own experiences or loving someone who has a mood disorder or an individual who is suffering from depression. Log in, blog, do read the posts and leave comments to inspire our growing community!

Now for this issue’s theme: Layers Upon Layers.

For we are all bound in stories, and as the years pile up they turn to stone, layer upon layer, building our lives. – Steven Erikson

This month’s contributions deal with the complexities of nature, history, culture, language, or even the psyche of a single person. Everything we choose or experience builds upon itself to make us who we are, even short-lived experiences.

Yucheng Tao’s poetry collection April No Longer Comes, published by Alien Buddha Press and reviewed by Cristina Deptula, explores moments of love and beauty that are wonderful and transient, like the season of spring. Sean Lee’s poems remind us that even fleeting moments can be meaningful and beautiful. Jian Yeo’s poetry touches on the pain and beauty we can find in mortality. Mykyta Ryzhykh contributes surreal images of life, death, and the cycle of modern existence. John Grey’s poetry explores comings and goings, presences and disappearances.

Yoonji Huh presents nature, family tenderness, and humor with a color scheme that looks historical and weathered. Gwil James Thomas speaks in several tough-minded pieces to memories and dreams and our sources of inspiration. Sean Lee’s artwork evokes the power of the imagination to illuminate daily life. Alina Lee’s poetry suggests that our pasts and futures comprise layers of each moment in which we find ourselves. JK Kim’s poetry looks at summer scenes with a calm nostalgia, after events have passed. Alexis Lee’s poems probe what we choose to value and remember, what we invest in and find beautiful. Olivia Koo probes the nature of memory, how multiple moments combine to craft a mental impression and feeling. Ah-Young Dana Park’s poetry comments on our changing memories and perspectives as time passes and we age. Chloe Park’s art revels in exquisite detail, probing culture and memory with intricacy. Sally Lee provides poetic snapshots of moments in time, considering whether they have meaning or value without context.

Seoyun Park’s visuals speak to how we observe and confront life, the dangers we face and those we pose. Ethan Lee’s poems remind us of the underside of our world: the everyday grotesque and the many layers of the ordinary. Irene Kim’s work explores the strain and melancholy that can permeate ordinary moments. Austin Chung’s poetry illustrates various kinds of disorder and dispersion as Taylor Dibbert vents his annoyance at the common problem of loud museum patrons. Lauren Kim stays with a single scene from everyday life for an entire poem, probing its layers. Haeun Regina Kim’s poetry examines ordinary objects and animals in depth, sharing details and language to create an off-kilter feel.

Brian Barbeito also explores deeply, focusing in on the flora and fauna of an Aruba resort. Debabarata Sen celebrates the verdant beauty of Costa Rica. David Sapp’s poetic speakers become waylaid by the arresting color and beauty of nature. Dylan Hong’s pieces present a gentle, abstract, even whimsical peek at nature. Grace Lee’s poetry crafts dreamlike, gentle, floating scenes. Terry Trowbridge’s pieces on peach harvests evoke the challenging economics and natural realities of farming. Mahbub Alam reminds us of the innate rough wildness of nature: storms, volcanoes, huge predators.

Jacques Fleury translates Dr. Jason Allen Paissant’s poem “Treeness,” about threats humankind poses to trees and the natural world, into Haitian Creole in a collaboration with Dr. Rachel Rome to provide music and poetry for the Boston Public Garden.

Sayani Mukherjee evokes the rhythm of a public piano played for big city pedestrians in a rainstorm. Eva Petropoulou Lianou waxes poetic about the beauty of the moon. Noriniso Kasimova shares memories of spring in her hometown and her father’s love. Chinese poet Su Yun collects a group of short poems from elementary school students, mostly impressions of natural scenes. Dhani M.’s artwork stylizes natural scenes to create emotional senses of calm, curiosity, and wonder. Jinwoo Brian Park’s art suggests that we can re-incorporate the old into the new, the natural into the artificial.

Mark Young contributes a fresh set of fanciful geographies. G. Emil Reutter humorously describes noisy construction’s impact on local residents. Erin Kim’s artwork explores the upsides and downsides of civilization’s technological progress. Katie Hong’s work critiques our isolation and obsession with technology as Xushnudbek Yakubov warns of the dangers of online misinformation. Sophie Yoon’s art critiques our complex relationship with consumption and the natural world. Eugene Han’s art explores who we are and where we’re going as humans, and our relationships with nature. Shabbona Abdurashidova highlights the importance of sustainable ecology in Uzbekistan. Jahin Claire Oh’s work speculates on how the world’s other creatures might see us: mimicking and learning from them, drifting into or penetrating their environments.

J.K. Durick speaks to new, wild, and real frontiers in modern nature and technology, commenting on our efforts to understand and control them. Pulkita Anand evokes the mental and physical disorientation brought on by the colonization of one’s land.

Ahmed Miqdad calls the world to action to help suffering civilians in Gaza. Patricia Doyne also calls the world’s attention to starvation in Gaza. Stephen Jarrell Williams speaks to the numbing, mindless destruction of war.

Poet Eva Petropoulou Lianou illuminates themes of patriotism and sacrifice in Algeria’s quest for independence in Turkia Loucif’s fantasy novel The Legend of a Squirrel. Yuldasheva Xadichaxon outlines themes of resilience and patriotism in Resat Nuri Guntekin’s novel The Clinging Bird.

Abdisattorova Xurshida highlights the contrasting legacies of Genghis Khan and Amir Temur. Abdisattorova Hurshida reflects on her admiration for Uzbek martial artist Abdulbosit Abdullayev. Maftuna Rustamova and Chorsanbiyeva Gulnoza poetize in honor of the military personnel who serve and guard Uzbekistan. Zumrad Sobirova celebrates the poetic beauty and pride of her Uzbek heritage. Jumaniyozova Nazokat encourages Uzbekistan’s young people to develop a greater appreciation for their heritage by visiting points of historical interest.

Nilufar Moydinova’s essay highlights language’s inextricable interconnection with thought, life, and culture. Mauro Montacchiesi creates a dialogue of philosophical thoughts and poetry between Dr. Jernail Singh and Rabindranath Tagore. Federico Wardal speaks to his long admiration for artist Andy Warhol and director and screen writer Federico Fellini. Orolova Dinora explores layers of meaning in Antoine St. Exupery’s The Little Prince as Surayyo Nosirova celebrates the heritage of Uzbek author Alexandr Faynberg.

Reagan Shin revels in the comfort and ecstasy and happy memories she finds in books. Mushtariybegim Ozodbekova highlights the power of books and stories to transcend time, culture, age, and space. Panoyeva Jasmina O’tkirovna highlights ways language teachers can help students develop fluency through relevant speaking and grammar practice. Turg’unov Jonpo’lat explores techniques to help children of all abilities to learn foreign languages. Nafosat Jovliyeva and Dilshoda Jurayeva illustrate gamification and other creative strategies for language learning. Rahimova Dilfuza Abdinabiyevna discusses ways to improve student competence with writing and speaking. Hilola Badriddinova outlines strategies used throughout the developed world to teach foreign languages.

Linda S. Gunther contributes a craft essay on “interviewing” your characters to better understand them as a writer. Paul Tristram’s poetry explores the heroic narratives we create through our writing and our lives. Gloria Ameh evokes the visceral sensations of writing on topics close to the bone.

Abigail George writes a stream of consciousness essay on her vulnerabilities from mental illness and just plain existing as a female-bodied person and how enduring them inspired her to write. Soumen Roy also connects beauty to vulnerability, speaking to the fading Mona Lisa and the union of joy and sorrow as fellow travelers.

J.J. Campbell reflects on disillusionment, loss, and the eternal quest, against all odds, for love. Mesfakus Salahin speaks evocatively of his quest for love and freedom. Baxtiniso Salimova’s poetry tells an epic love story. Mirta Liliana Ramirez relates intense grief at the loss of her lover. Dilnoza Islomova expresses her gratitude for her mother’s tender care. Bill Tope and Doug Hawley collaborate on a love story that turns unexpectedly tender. Urazaliyeva Sarvinoz shares an emotional tale of jealousy, love, and forgiveness between two twin sisters. Sarvinoz Orifova expresses gratitude for her parents’ constant love and care. Wazed Abdullah expresses his love and gratitude for his mother. Ozodbek Narzullayev expresses his love for his mother and invites her to share her life struggles with him for support. Xurshida Abdisattorova shares the story of a mother’s complicated grief for an imperfect husband and father who passes away in a sudden accident. Shoxrukh Fayzulla o’g’li Dusmatov speaks to his mother’s love and care and how wealth alone matters little without compassion and humanity.

To’raqulova Pokiza Sanjarovna speaks to the need for human compassion, wisdom, respect, and personal development. Hamza Kamar’s poetry expresses his powerful hopes for a transcendent hero. Bhagirath Chowdhary expresses his determination to avoid the next life until he has finished roaming this world, offering blessings to others. Charles Taylor’s short story probes our ethics and the extent of the compassion we owe our friends and fellow humans.

Julia Kanno reminds residents of the USA that most Latino immigrants are hardworking people with lives and dreams. Bill Tope presents a tale of a survivor’s search for justice for a sexual assault that shattered her psyche. Abdisattorova Khurshida presents a tale of thievery exposed.

Graciela Noemi Villaverde shares a poem on the joy of community and diversity and welcoming special education students. Haeun Regina Kim’s artwork explores unity and acceptance of others, as well as harmony among rural and urban areas. Nabijonova Madinabonu outlines how sharing coffee can help us build building friendship and community. Khudoyqulova Shahzoda highlights Uzbekistan’s programs to enhance economic opportunities for low income women and families and the disabled.

Nazarova Moxiniso looks into discipline and student character development as part of Uzbek preschool education. Ulsanam Ulmasovna outlines Amir Temur’s contributions to the Uzbek education system. Islomov Inomjon describes the Geoment, a device to teach mathematical reasoning to children with low or no vision.

Bozorboyeva Iroda offers encouragement for young people to find and follow their own dreams. Khudoykulova Shahzoda points out consequences of and solutions to youth unemployment.

Abdurayimov Faxriddin suggests strategies for teaching music practice and theory for children. Colombian philosopher and author Dr. Tayron Achury interviews Dr. Alexander Klujev, professor of musicology, about the increasing role of human personality and feeling in modern classical music.

Greg Gildersleeve’s pieces speculate on how small individuals can claim agency in a large world. Akramov G’ulomnazar’s poetry asserts his courage and resilience. Ashirova Dilrabo Ermatovna urges us to stay motivated and persevere towards our goals.

Various contributors celebrate notable people who should be better known, or highlight important research work. Sobirjonova Rayhona outlines the career and accomplishments of Uzbek woman mathematician and teacher Shodmonova Hilola. Eshmurodova Sevinch highlights the need for training for employees in Uzbekistan’s banking industry in digital technology to modernize industry. Muslima Olimova highlights strategies corporations have used to adapt to stay on top in a digital world. Jo’rayev Ulug’bek outlines engineering techniques for strengthening concrete structures. Mirzaolimov Mirabbos probes the medical relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Ostanaqulov Xojiakbar speculates on how to improve web search engine optimization to improve online communication and website findability. Orozboyeva Mohina Nuraliyevna outlines the role and history of psychology as practiced in Uzbekistan.

On a more psychological level, Duane Vorhees’ poetry covers and highlights human complexity: different aspects to our personalities, different choices we can make, how we can change with time. James Benger’s poetry explores the fear and tension underlying our individual existences, the danger from geologic pressure, storms, raw meat – and how we sometimes find hope to carry forward.

Andrew Ban shares restless, random thoughts, finding commonalities with all humanity while acknowledging the need to protect and defend himself if needed. Dongeon Kim’s work presents scenes of intense human and natural energy while Texas Fontanella revels in the pure sound of non-representational language. Dennis Daly wanders through a variety of human feelings, from nostalgia to frustration to faith. Michael Robinson shares his journey and heritage of faith, how he found a spiritual home and refuge in Christ and the church. Muhammad Sanusi Adam speaks to struggle, resilience, destiny, creation, and faith.

Gaurav Ojha seeks out meaning in a confusing and vast world, ultimately affirming everyone’s ability to find their own truths. We hope that reading this issue helps you to find a smidgen of truth for your own life.

Waylaid

You waylaid me

When I was determined,

With boots and walking stick,

To trek into the ravine,

A sober, brackish crevasse

Down Old Woman Creek.

But you, your hues against

Blue, an enticing brilliance

In the morning light,

Thwarted my intention.

Your sensible summer viridians

Absent, you got me drunk,

An inevitable debauchery.

On yellow, crimson, saffron

And that leathery bronze

And alizarin of the oak.

Presumption

The blackbird scolds me,

A torrent of abuse from

High above in the willow.

Furious over my very presence,

She imagines the worst in me

(This is becoming tiresome.)

Presumes an evil agenda,

A scheme on her lovely eggs,

Her nest in the bulrushes.

When I look up to reassure,

To list honorable intentions,

To even express disinterest,

I notice, just past her wings,

The moon, transparent in the

Morning sun, undeniably

Virtuous against blue.

I am grateful for the coincidence

“Oh, there you are!”

And offer a genial introduction.

My appeal to the blackbird

Is the moon will vouch for me.

We’ve been acquaintances,

Maybe pals, for some time now.

---

Dear Mother!

You’re the one and only light,
Ever circling, pure and bright.
Like a song that feels just right—
Mother, Mother, dearest light!

Kindness lives inside your soul,
Your bright smile can make us whole.
You are beauty’s purest role—
Mother, Mother, heart and soul!

May your years become a tale,
Stand through life, strong without fail.
May your name in love prevail—
Mother, Mother, without veil!

May your love not fade away,
May your name forever stay.
Let no mother feel dismay—
Mother, Mother, every day!

---

Are You Truly Happy with Wealth?

Your proud stance and graceful frame,
Bring the hearts that know you flame.
But parents bore your life and name—
Are you truly happy with wealth?

You now look down on the poor,
For money’s sake, you ask for more.
But don’t forget your inner core—
Are you truly happy with wealth?

Your home’s a palace, they declare,
And call you “rich,” with loving care.
But charm and grace are rarely there—
Are you truly happy with wealth?

You built a fortune, grand and wide,
You see the people, but with pride.
Your conscience now you try to hide—
Are you truly happy with wealth?

Shoxrukh Fayzulla o‘g‘li Dusmatov lives in Gurlan district of Khorezm region. He was born on October 23, 2003, in Gurlan.
He graduated from Secondary School No. 2 in Gurlan district.
Currently, he is a student at the Urgench branch of Tashkent Medical Academy.

Saying No to Nirvana

Until I learn and earn merits of this human birth

Cultivating loving care and concern like mother earth

Mother earth keeping her promise and word

Loving her children, she walks upon edge of sword

If earth stumbles slightly away from the Sun

That will turn oceans in icy desert, killing everyone

If earth moves a little closer to Sun in her orbit

That will burn all upon earth turning it into hell’s pit.

Earth works every moment, giving her best

Making for her children day to work and night to rest

If earth never turns on her axis, making no day or night

Half of earth will burn and half will reel under freezing fright.

With her seasons, earth distributes her love to all

Without discrimination to a mountain or a mole

She asks her clouds to be careful to rain drop by drop

For giving water to every plant of a farmer’s crop

Until I learn and earn holy merits becoming worth

If I can turn into love and light like mother earth

Crying for Nirvana without loving wisdom like a fool

How could I wish to run away from my earth school

Until I incorporate love and light in my being

Until I cultivate loving eyes for cosmic blessing

Until I become responsible earth citizen here

What good nirvana will do to an escapist under fear ?

All rights reserved

 

__________

The Roma Spirit 

I lived 

Like an earthly native

With loving motive

Enamored with

Love of humanity

Travelling ever

To meet humane

And kind community

Travelling light

Keeping only

Love in sight

I embraced

My humble poverty

I ignored

The material property

For the bargain

Of my all loving heart

I let go

Wealth and its art

I settled no where

To raise the wall

And to call

The land, 

The river and air

As my own share

With unconditional love and compassion

My universal Roma Spirit 

Craved to enrich the human nation

I moved on 

Like a wind 

Carrying the fragrance

From the flower

And its sacred essence

To the distant

Civilizations upon earth

Spreading human worth

Of heavenly hearth

Now,

The land owners

And the miners

Of wealth and jewels

Tell me, 

You lived

Like a vagabond

Sorry, it is too late

To accommodate

They said,

We have

Divided all the earth

Its forests and its rivers 

And its heavenly hearth

To raise 

Our material worth

Laden with their gold

So very bold

Scolding Roma

They announced 

By spiritual wisdom

You may be tall

But without wealth

You are 

A lost soul, Pal

Snack

It’s dark out 

It’s cold out 

Any moment now the sun might come out 

But i can still hear the sounds of people moving

The sound of people struggling 

The sound of people trying their best to live in this harsh society

I thought i wasn’t getting much sleep these days 

These people don’t sleep at all

I lay in my bed

My body devoured 

I lay there staring up in the ceiling 

I think to myself 

It must be freezing cold outside

How can those people have the motivation to go out at this time

I feel a chill down my spine 

Somethings not right but i don’t know what

I think eating a snack would solve the problem

I stand up and go look for some food

I sit down with all the food i scavenged 

A tuna can, some leftover chicken and some ramen

Todays hunt was successful i thought 

I will make it my mission to finish this as fast as i can

I dig in quickly 

I eat til there is nothing left 

except the last chicken leg 

After this i can finally go to bed with a full stomach 

I pick it up 

And I..

Beep beep beep…

wake up 

Injury to insult

The only time i insult someone is when 

I get insulted that’s why you should 

Add injury to an insult

You have to stand up for yourself 

When you insult them

Make sure to injure them as well

And don’t just minorly injure them

Permanently damage them

So they don’t have to come to school 

So that they don’t have to all this nasty homework 

I wish I don’t have to come to school anyways

I’m not sure about you

But personally i was taught to never take any disrespect from anyone 

Me personally i would have to add injury to insult

School 

I wish that it ended. She keeps talking and talking. I’m not listening, who is? Nobody listening there, all sleeping. School is such a waste. 

I wish that time stopped. I never thought it was fun. Schools should host more parties. We stayed there until 9. It ended in a flash.

I wish that he didn’t. Throwing that beautiful ramen away. I’m inside the school starving. While he wastes that ramen. My poor beautiful delicious ramen.

Andrew Ban is a student attending an International School in South Korea. He loves writing in his free time, and his other hobbies include cross country and bike riding. He was recently published in Inlandia: A Literary Journal, Dunes Review, The Elevation Review,  Rigorous and Mortal Magazine.

Eugene Han is a student at an international school in South Korea. His artwork explores themes of identity, culture, and nature, often blending abstract and representational elements. Through vibrant colors and textured layers, he aims to capture both the complexity and simplicity of the human experience. Eugene has been honing their artistic skills from a young age and is passionate about sharing their vision with a global audience.