Navruz is one of the most ancient holidays in human history. It symbolizes the arrival of spring, the awakening of nature, and the beginning of a new life. This holiday is celebrated every year on March 21, during the spring equinox. On this day, day and night become equal, and nature enters a period of renewal. The word “Navruz” comes from the Persian language and means “new day.”
According to historical sources, Navruz has a history of at least 3000 years. Its roots go back to the ancient Zoroastrian era. In the ancient book Avesta, there are also references to ceremonies connected with the arrival of spring and the awakening of nature. Initially, this holiday was celebrated as the beginning of the agricultural year, and people held various rituals wishing for a rich and fruitful harvest.
Today, Navruz is celebrated not only in Central Asia but also in many countries around the world. In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as the “International Day of Navruz.” In addition, in 2009, Navruz was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
In Uzbekistan, Navruz is considered an important holiday reflecting national values and traditions. During these days, public festivals, national games, and concerts are organized, and traditional foods such as sumalak are prepared. Navruz unites people in the spirit of kindness, friendship, and solidarity.
Navruz is not only a spring holiday but also an ancient cultural tradition that expresses the ideas of peace, renewal, and goodness. For centuries, it has united different nations and continues to remain an important spiritual value for humanity today.
while cruel regrets appear like species thought extinct
and wait as snipers for the next mass killing
in this permanent opium war.
EXTRADITION
These little white pills photoshop your mind,
taking you beyond facial recognition
to where anxiety is a distant tremor,
then just a dog stirring in its sleep
and into the fog and silence
of peaceful, invisible zodiacs
where you are the only citizen:
a limpet sheltering on a rock
a trilobite calmly cruising forever
a jellyfish drifting free
a dust mite in a desert.
CLICKBAIT
The most solid thing I remember
of that day is the gleam, the honest face
of life’s dwindling. I could not keep you,
but only suffer alongside for a while
and then confront the geography of pain,
lost as a lighthouse in the sun.
Maybe I am just inventing a dream
that only a digital clone could give,
but I hope you are still really somewhere
in perfect convergent evolution.
INTROVERSION
An endless silent ceremony
before the white ashes of vanity.
Living in a world of your own words
until everything is a mirror.
The cries of a fabulous creature
hovering pitilessly overhead.
Clinging on like weeds around barbed wire
or birds nesting among spikes and syringes.
Fearing an embassy from another planet
or looters profiting from disaster.
S.C. Flynn was born in a small town in Australia of Irish origin and now lives in Dublin. His collections are “The Colour of Extinction” (Renard Press, October 2024; Observer Poetry Book of the Month) and “An Ocean Called Hope” (Downingfield Press, May 2025).
The Role of Environment and Upbringing in Human Development and Personal Growth
Uzbek National University of Pedagogy, Primary Education Department, 3rd-Year Student
Abstract
This article analyzes the role of environment and upbringing in human development and personal growth from a pedagogical perspective. Personal formation is a complex and multi-factor process, in which the natural-geographical environment, social environment, family conditions, and purposeful upbringing play a significant role. The article explains, based on scientific evidence, how external factors influencing human development are interconnected, and how the environment impacts a person’s worldview, behavior, and life activities. The role of microenvironments, such as family and educational institutions, in a child’s development is particularly emphasized.
Furthermore, the article highlights the purposeful nature of upbringing and its leading role in forming positive traits, social skills, and moral qualities in a person. Through upbringing, it is possible to develop a person’s natural abilities, reduce the negative influence of the environment, and ensure the individual’s adaptation to society. The article demonstrates, with scientific evidence, that pedagogically well-organized activities contribute to intellectual, physical, and volitional development.
The study concludes that human development emerges from the harmony of heredity, environment, and upbringing, with upbringing acting as a leading factor. This article is of theoretical and practical importance for students in pedagogical fields, teachers, and specialists involved in the upbringing process.
Keywords: personal development, environment, upbringing, social development, pedagogical process, personality formation
Introduction
Human development and personal growth are among the most important and relevant issues in pedagogy. The progress of any society is directly linked to how the younger generation is raised, the environment in which they grow up, and the values instilled in them. The formation of a well-rounded individual is not a random process but a complex pedagogical and social process resulting from hereditary potential, environmental influences, and purposeful upbringing.
From birth, a person lives and develops within a specific environment, which includes natural-geographical conditions, social relations, family upbringing, and the education system. These factors play a key role in shaping a person’s worldview, behavior, interests, and attitude toward life. Initially, the child receives upbringing in the family, and later acquires social experience under the influence of school and society. Therefore, the environment serves as a natural field for personal development.
Modern pedagogy emphasizes that human development cannot be explained solely by innate abilities. A person’s capabilities, social activity, and moral qualities largely develop through the upbringing process. Upbringing is a key factor in purposefully guiding personal development, fostering positive traits, and raising an individual adapted to societal needs. Educational institutions and teachers play a crucial role in the intellectual and moral development of the younger generation.
In today’s era of globalization and increased information flow, individuals are exposed to various social influences. Therefore, studying the interaction of environment and upbringing scientifically and identifying pedagogical conditions that positively affect personal development is highly relevant. The aim of this article is to analyze the role of environment and upbringing in human development from a pedagogical perspective and to highlight their interconnected influence on personality formation.
The Role of Environment
Personal formation is a continuous and complex process resulting from the interaction of multiple factors. In pedagogy, environment, upbringing, and personal activity are recognized as the main factors influencing human development.
These factors are closely interconnected, and their harmony ensures comprehensive personal growth.
The environment forms the natural and social foundation of human development. It includes external conditions, social relations, lifestyle, and life events surrounding the individual. The natural-geographical environment affects a person’s way of life, work activities, and even character traits. Climate, living area, and natural conditions influence daily life and activity patterns. For example, the habits, work activities, and adaptability of people living in different regions vary depending on their natural surroundings. Thus, the environment acts as an indirect factor influencing personal development.
Microenvironments, such as family, occupy a special place in personal development. The early years of a child’s life are spent in the family, where initial ideas, behavior, and attitudes are formed. Relationships among family members, moral values, and educational approaches significantly affect the child’s psychological and moral development. Human qualities such as affection, respect, and responsibility are primarily instilled through the family environment. A child raised in a positive family setting adapts quickly to society, develops self-confidence, and grows into a socially active individual.
The social environment is another key factor in personal development. Social relationships, cultural values, laws, and interactions within society broaden a person’s worldview. Through interaction with others, individuals gain life experience, prepare for work activities, and adapt to societal requirements. Educational institutions are a vital component of the social environment, where students not only acquire knowledge but also learn to collaborate, assume responsibility, and understand social values.
The Role of Upbringing
However, environment alone does not determine personal development. Upbringing serves to purposefully guide human development. Its key characteristic is its goal-oriented nature. Through educational activities organized by teachers and mentors, positive moral qualities, social skills, and life values are developed in individuals. Upbringing enhances a person’s potential, brings out their abilities, and helps them grow into a socially valuable individual.
The upbringing process not only imparts knowledge but also enriches the inner world, strengthens volitional qualities, and fosters diligence. Many traits—such as responsibility, patience, discipline, and perseverance—develop through upbringing. A well-structured educational and upbringing process also supports physical development and forms healthy lifestyle habits.
Moreover, upbringing helps mitigate or eliminate the negative influence of the environment. A child left unsupervised or exposed to a negative social environment may develop behavioral problems. Pedagogically well-organized upbringing prevents such issues and guides the individual correctly. Therefore, cooperation among school, family, and society is crucial for effective upbringing.
The Role of Activity
Activity plays a distinct role in personal development. Through activities, individuals demonstrate their abilities and acquire new skills. In childhood, play is the primary form of activity, while during school years, learning and work activities become central.
Conclusion
In summary, human development and personal growth are complex, multi-factor, and continuous processes. Environment, upbringing, and personal activity interact harmoniously to influence development. The environment provides natural and social conditions, while upbringing purposefully directs these opportunities to form positive traits. Family environment, educational institutions, and social relationships in society are particularly important in shaping worldview and moral perspectives. Pedagogically well-organized activities support intellectual, moral, physical, and volitional development. Age-appropriate progression of activities fosters growth as an individual.
Educational efforts carried out in cooperation among family, school, and society are essential for raising well-rounded, independent, and responsible individuals.
Human development is thus a unified process shaped by the interaction of environment and upbringing, in which personal activity also plays a vital role. Through purposeful pedagogical influence, each individual’s potential can be realized, enabling them to mature into a capable person who contributes to societal progress.
References
R. Mavlonova, N. Voxidova, N. Rakhmonqulova, History of Pedagogical Theory. Tashkent, 2010.
Born in 2006 in Shahrisabz district, Qashqadaryo region. She graduated from Secondary School No. 72 in Shahrisabz district, Qashqadaryo region. In 2023, she became a student at the Uzbekistan National University of Pedagogy. She has volunteered at the “Pinnacle Science” Republican Scientific Center.
Her scientific articles have been published in prestigious journals from the United States, Singapore, and Russia. She is the holder of more than 50 diplomas and certificates. In 2025, she received the “Future Star” statuette organized at the level of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
She is a recipient of the “Advanced Generation” breastplate and the “High Devotion to Science” breastplate. She also won 1st place and the “Friendship” badge in the “Mosaic of Nations” competition held by the “Jadidlar” International Scientific Research Association. She has earned more than 50 international certificates and is the author of several poems and international articles.
Uzbek State World Language University, Faculty of English Philology, 2nd-year student
The Role of Sleep in Academic Performance
Choriyeva Oynur
Uzbek State World Languages University, Faculty of English Philology
2nd-year Student
Abstract
This article examines the important role of sleep in academic performance. It demonstrates how adequate and quality sleep can enhance memory, improve focus and concentration, and support cognitive functions such as problem-solving and critical thinking. It also highlights that insufficient sleep can reduce memory recall, decrease attention, worsen academic performance, lower grades, and reduce productivity. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the importance of obtaining sufficient, regular, and high-quality sleep for effective studying.
Keywords: sleep, academic performance, memory, attention, cognitive functions, reading, productivity, student health, effective studying, overall quality of life
Introduction
Sleep plays a vital role in student health and academic success. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health, adequate sleep is essential for physical health, mental clarity, and overall quality of life, especially for young people. During Student Sleep Health Week, the Indian Board of Education provides resources and recommendations on the relationship between deep sleep and success.
The CDC emphasizes that sleep is crucial for memory consolidation, learning, and cognitive functioning. Students who do not get enough sleep struggle with concentration, problem-solving, and remembering information. This can negatively affect their academic results, lower their grades, and reduce productivity.
Leslie L. Crow, a licensed professional counselor and specialist in BIE’s Student Behavioral Health Program, notes that sleep significantly impacts students’ academic and athletic performance.
“Healthy sleep habits greatly affect the mental and physical health of children and adults,” Crow states. “Sleep influences our emotions, stress management, and overall well-being.”
Main Body
Sleep is essential for cognitive functions as well as overall physical and mental health. According to the CDC, insufficient sleep is associated with increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. For students, lack of sleep can lead to reduced energy levels and greater susceptibility to illness, preventing full participation in academic and extracurricular activities.
The two most common consequences of insufficient sleep are decreased focus and impaired memory. These effects are not only harmful individually but also compound each other. Lack of focus results in incomplete information retention, which is further compounded by inadequate neural connections formed during learning.
Insufficient sleep can reduce both short-term and long-term memory. Short-term memory retains information briefly, such as remembering someone’s name upon meeting them or recalling the last few words on a fast-changing PowerPoint slide. Long-term memory involves retaining information for hours, days, months, or longer, such as remembering due dates or recalling past events. Students struggling with sleep-related stress over classes may benefit from seeking tutoring to improve mastery of the subject.
Leslie L. Crow emphasizes the importance of understanding recommended sleep durations for different age groups. According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night, while younger school-aged children require approximately 9 to 11 hours within 24 hours. Crow notes that many behavioral and mental health issues, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, and difficulties in emotional regulation, may be partially or entirely caused by sleep disorders.
To address these challenges, the CDC recommends maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, to regulate internal biological clocks. Additionally, creating a sleep-friendly environment—keeping the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool—can significantly enhance sleep quality.
Crow also provides practical tips to improve sleep:
Go to bed and wake up at approximately the same time every day.
Maintain a consistent bedtime routine.
Use the bed only for sleep.
Spend time outdoors to get sunlight and engage in physical activity.
Avoid screen time before bedtime.
Model healthy sleep habits for students.
Consult a medical professional if sleep problems persist.
By prioritizing sleep, students can improve academic performance, enhance physical and mental well-being, and establish habits that contribute to long-term success. Student Sleep Health Week serves as a vital reminder that adequate sleep is not a luxury—it is a necessity.
Conclusion
There are multiple ways to measure the relationship between sleep and academic performance. Much of the earlier research focused on sleep duration and sleep quality, with mixed results. These measures have limitations—sleep duration is usually self-reported, and sleep quality is subjective. Recently, novel measures of sleep have emerged. The timing and consistency of sleep may have the greatest impact on academic performance.
