I remember a whisper I heard when I was seven; a uniformed policeman was addressing my aunt, with whom I lived. “Your brother, Mrs. Allen, was killed in an automobile accident last night.” Aunt Livy’s only brother was my dad, Tom Lewis, Jr. I was named after him, which made me Tom Lewis, III.
I heard a sharp intake of breath and then screaming. I remember worrying about how Aunt Livy was taking the news, but then I realized that the heavy breathing and screaming was coming not from my aunt but from me. But nobody else could hear it. They paid me no mind.
“His body was taken directly to the mor- gue, Ma’am,” said the cop. “There was just no hope. I’m sorry.” She said some- thing like, “Yes, that’s probably for the best; I’ll phone the funeral home this afternoon.” What I thought I heard was: “Yes, indeed, Tom should bring around $1.49 per pound at the butcher’s; and I’ll see to it that Mr. Lindsey doesn’t put his thumb on the scale this time!”
I startled, stared disbelievingly at Aunt Livy but her face was the same as always. The conversation between the policeman and my aunt continued for several more minutes with no further surprises. I took a deep breath.
“I’ll get out of your hair now, Mrs. Allen; I know you must have just skads of people to contact.” What my aunt then said was, “That’s correct, Officer: his ex-wife, our parents, his work, there’s just a hundred things to do!”
But, what I thought I heard was: “That’s correct, Officer, I have calls to make, invi- tations to send out, caterers to call, for the huge party we’re giving in celebration of my brother’s passing. You and the misses should come, too.” I didn’t hear his re- sponse but she added, “Don’t bring a thing; we’ll have noise-makers, balloons. I think we’ll even have fireworks.”
As he turned to leave, the policeman swiveled round to me and said, “Take care, Young Man, things are going to be alright.” Then he smiled and left. But, what I thought I heard him say was, “You little shit! If I catch you out after curfew, for any reason, I’ll tear your heart out!” Then he grinned grotesquely and left.
When the cop had gone, Aunt Livy, who had been my guardian all my life, since even before my mom and dad split up, said, “Well, I guess you heard most of that, Tommy. I know it’s not easy to lose a parent–or a brother–but we’ll manage somehow.” She smiled sweetly at me.
But, what I thought I heard her say was, “Now I’m stuck with you, you little parasite!” She drew her finger to her chin, thinking. “But it might not be all bad: I could get his house!” And she smiled sweetly. It was at about that time that I began in earnest my life-long love affair with Lithium and Quaaludes.
Why Are Study Abroad Semesters Valuable for Students?
Meaning of These Programs – What Are They?
A study abroad semester is a life-changing experience – but how exactly?
Costs, Challenges, and Requirements
Nowadays, there are many foreign citizens in my country. Are they just tourists? Not quite. Today we see young people coming from abroad to various parts of our country. The reason is the global student exchange program. This program has a long history and began to develop in the 20th century. It was created to promote cultural and scientific cooperation between countries. A student exchange program allows students to temporarily study at a different university abroad. Through it, students gain knowledge and experience.
Historically, the United States was one of the first countries where such programs became popular, beginning with the Fulbright Program. One of the most well-known is the ERASMUS program – the oldest student exchange program in Europe, launched in 1987. Germany later developed its own version, with the DAAD program starting in 1925. These programs are highly popular among young people.
Experiences of Students:
Many students report positive experiences with exchange programs. Jabboraliev O., who studies at Kuala Lumpur University in Malaysia, said: “I expanded my professional experience through the exchange program. That’s why I’ve worked in many areas of my field.” This shows that exchange programs offer career benefits too.
Dilafruz, a student who studied in Japan, said: “My verbal communication improved significantly.” In particular, her ability to express herself in Japanese grew. This proves students can also benefit linguistically from exchange programs.
Advantages of Student Exchange Programs:
Exchange programs offer many benefits. Students gain new knowledge and boost their academic progress. But that’s not all. Studying abroad helps develop important personal skills, such as:
– Intercultural Competence: Students learn to understand and respect cultural differences by engaging directly with people from diverse backgrounds.
– Independence: Living in a foreign country forces students to organize daily life independently – from housing to daily routines.
– Language Skills: Constant exposure to a foreign language helps students improve their language proficiency.
– Better Career Opportunities: Employers value international experience, which signals flexibility and adaptability.
Challenges:
Of course, there are also difficulties. Many students face the following challenges when moving abroad:
– Financial Issues: Living abroad can be expensive. Students often need scholarships or part-time jobs.
– Different Education Systems: Learning methods may differ from those in the home country, requiring students to adapt.
– Cultural Differences: Adapting to new customs and traditions can be tough in a foreign country.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, student exchange programs are an excellent opportunity for young people to gain international experience, explore other cultures, and improve both academically and professionally. They help students adjust to new environments and foster mutual understanding between cultures.
During the program, students learn how to navigate life in a foreign country, speak new languages, and enhance communication skills. These experiences are valuable in today’s world and can improve future career prospects. Additionally, students form international connections that may benefit them later.
Despite the challenges, such as financial burdens, housing issues, or differences in education systems, these very obstacles help students become more independent and adaptable.
Overall, exchange programs are a key component of global education. They not only help young people expand their knowledge but also support personal growth. International exchange strengthens relationships between countries and universities. Therefore, such programs should continue to be supported so more students can benefit.
Oyatillo Jabboraliev was born in Fergana region. He is a student at Xiamen University in Malaysia.
Konstantinos FaHs has another article published following up on his Synchronized Chaos pieces about ancient Greek myths and their continuing role in modern Hellenic culture. He’d like to share his piece in The Rhythm of Vietnam,which is a Vietnamese magazine with a mission that seems similar to our own.
Also, disabled contributor, lyric essayist, and ALS activist Katrina Byrd suffered hurricane damage to her home and seeks support to rebuild and make ends meet while she’s getting ready to move. Whatever folks can contribute will make a real difference.
Now, for our new issue: Chaos Does Not Exclude Love. The reverse of a phrase from a review of Elwin Cotman’s urban fantasy collection discussing how Cotman’s work was from a loving place yet made room for the complexity of the world. At Synchronized Chaos, we are intimately acquainted with the world’s nuance and chaos, yet we see and find room for empathy and connection.
Neven Duzevic reflects on travel memories and reconnecting with an old friend. Dr. Perwaiz Shaharyar speaks to the awesome and transformative power of romantic love. Dr. Prasanna Kumar Dalai reflects upon the intensity of romantic feelings. Duane Vorhees speaks to loneliness and heartbreak and sensuality and various forms of human-ness. Kristy Raines speaks to the beauty of love and the tragedy of heartbreak.
Harper Chan reflects on his bravado and the reality of his feelings in the past year. Mickey Corrigan’s poetry shows how psychological and cultural shifts and traumas can manifest in our bodies. Abigail George speaks to how support from friends and family and a commitment to live in the present rather than reliving old traumas can help those addicted to drugs. Alan Catlin mixes cultural memories and touchstones with personal and societal losses.
Vo Thi Nhu Mai offers up a poetic tribute to the international vision of fellow poet Eva Petropoulou Lianou. Greek poet Eva Petropoulou Lianou interviews Bangladeshi poet S. Afrose on how she hopes poetry and joint exploration through literary sci-fi will obliterate the need for war. Dr. Jernail Singh laments that morality and compassion have become passe to a generation obsessed with modernity and personal success. Priyanka Neogi speaks to the beauty of carrying oneself with noble character. Maria Koulovou Roumelioti urges us to remember the world’s children and create love and peace as Anwar Rahim reminds us to live with kindness and courage.
Mykyta Ryzhykh speculates on whether love can continue to exist amidst war. Haroon Rashid pays tribute to Indian political leader Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who loved peace but led through strength. Christine Poythress reflects on how easy it is for a once-proud and free nation to slide into fascism simply by admiring the fascist aesthetic and its seductive power. Ahmed Miqdad renders a global tragedy in simple terms: he’s too scared to go back to his home in Gaza to water his cactus plant.
Lili Lang probes the meaning behind things that seem simple: the work of a hairdresser, a family packing up the belongings of a recently deceased grandmother.
Mahmudova Sohibaxon offers up a tribute to dependable and caring fathers. J.J. Campbell writes of the visceral love and physical work of aging and caregiving, of inhabiting an elderly and a middle-aged body. Taylor Dibbert’s poetic speaker embraces age with joy, thrilled to still be alive. Bill Tope crafts an expansive and welcoming vision of perfection that can welcome more types of people and bodies as Ambrose George urges the world to maintain an open mind towards gender roles and identities.
Leslie Lisbona pays tribute to her deceased mother by writing a letter catching her up on family news. Stephen Jarrell Williams considers endings and beginnings and the possibility of renewal. Asma’u Sulaiman speaks to being lost and then found in life. Cheng Yong’s poetry addresses ways we hide from each other and ourselves, physically and psychologically. Mahbub Alam wishes for a romantic connection that can extend and endure beyond Earth. Dibyangana’s poetry touches on love, grief, and personal metamorphosis. Mely Ratkovic writes of spiritual contemplation and the nature of good and evil. Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa describes souls who turn away from greed and evil and heal, in smaller and larger ways. Christopher Bernard suggests that creativity and storytelling might play a part in what makes life worth enduring.
Brian Barbeito speculates about intention and communication with the universe. Svetlana Rostova speculates on what spirituality might mean in the face of a seemingly indifferent world. Shamsiya Khudoynazarova Turumnova’s piece conveys spiritual ecstasy, love, and beauty.
Sandro Piedrahita’s story highlights the power of enduring and sacrificial spiritual devotion in the midst of our human-ness.
Paul Durand reflects on teaching first-grade music in a time of hatred and divisiveness. Su Yun collects the thoughts and observations of a whole selection of schoolchildren in China about nature and their world.
Jibril Mohammed Usman shares a photograph of a person looking into nature, at one with and part of his world, altered in the same way as the trees and house. Mark Young’s geographies play with and explore Australia from new angles, turning maps into works of art.
Odina Bahodirova argues for the relevance of philology as an academic discipline because of its role in preserving cultural wisdom encoded in language and the ability of students to understand and think critically about language. Sevinch Shukurova explores the role of code-switching as a pedagogical tool in language learning. Surayo Nosirova shares the power of an educator giving a struggling student tutoring and a second chance. Nozima Zioydilloyeva celebrates Uzbekistan’s cultural accomplishments and women’s education within her home country. Marjona Mardonova honors the history of the learned Jadid Uzbek modernizers.
Nazeem Aziz recollects Bangladeshi history and celebrates their fights for freedom and national identity. Poet Hua Ai speaks to people’s basic longings to live, to be seen and heard. Leif Ingram-Bunn speaks to hypocrisy and self-righteousness on behalf of those who would silence him, and self-assertion on his part as a wounded but brave, worthy child of God.
Z.I. Mahmud traces the mythic and the heroic from Tolkien to Harry Potter. Poet Hua Ai, interviewed by editor Cristina Deptula, also wonders about the stories we tell ourselves. She speculates through her work about what in the human condition is mandatory for survival and what is learned behavior that could be unlearned with changing times.
Synchronized Chaos contains many of the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves and our world. We hope you enjoy and learn from the narrative!
The Flowerless Spring Oh spring! Beloved spring! Don’t ask me without flowers I and flowers are in the same vase Believe me! Believe me!! Oh spring! Dear spring! Don’t love me without love I and love are twins Trust me! Trust me!! Oh spring! Musical spring! Don’t invite me without the tune of dream I and tune live in heart Stay here! Stay here!! Oh spring! Sincere spring! Come here with words of heart Your words are my words Make me dreamy! Make me dreamy!! Oh spring! Caring spring! Hold my time with silver moon The moonlit nights are my pen’s verses Give your hand! Give your hand!! Oh spring! The queen of love l just miss you I need you to compose a poem Give me rain! Give me rainbow!! Oh spring! Lovely spring! Love is not in the rest Hear the song of the rivers Make me flowery! Make me flowery!! Oh spring! Sweetest spring! I need a tiny hut of poems We will get lost there To search the light of love. Bless me! Bless me!!
Eliot Rivers was once a name whispered with admiration in the corridors of Oakville High. A natural leader, an academic achiever, and the captain of the school debate team, his future was painted in bright hues by everyone who knew him. Teachers predicted Ivy League acceptance letters, classmates envied his eloquence, and his parents believed they were raising a young man destined to change the world.
But Eliot was hiding something beneath the glow of success—a growing fear of imperfection. The pressure to remain excellent became a burden he could not share. He stopped enjoying what he loved and started fearing failure more than anything else. One mistake felt like the end of the world. When he received his first B+ in literature during senior year, he broke down. It wasn’t the grade itself—it was what it represented: he wasn’t invincible.
From that moment, Eliot changed. He began skipping classes, withdrawing from competitions, and isolating himself from friends. Rumors spread. Some said he was just tired, others guessed he was dealing with personal issues. But the truth was simpler and sadder—Eliot no longer believed in himself.
By the time graduation rolled around, Eliot wasn’t on the stage. He barely scraped through with passing grades. While others were sharing college acceptance letters, Eliot sat in silence, watching his dreams fade away like smoke from a fire he no longer had the will to rekindle.
One year passed.
Eliot found himself working at a coffee shop near the edge of town. He didn’t mind the quiet routine. He poured coffee, wiped tables, and tried not to think about what could have been. The occasional recognition by old classmates stung more than he cared to admit.
One rainy afternoon, as Eliot was wiping down a table, the door chimed and in walked a woman he didn’t recognize—middle-aged, with sharp eyes and a kind smile.
“You’re Eliot Rivers, aren’t you?” she asked.
He nodded, wary but polite.
“I heard you speak at the state debate finals two years ago,” she continued. “You were remarkable.”
Eliot smiled faintly. “That was a long time ago.”
“I don’t believe talent has an expiration date,” she said with a glint in her eye. “I’m Dr. Wren. I work with a youth center a few towns over. We help students who’ve lost their way.”
He frowned. “I’m not sure I’m who you think I am.”
“I think you’re exactly who we need,” she replied. “Not as a student—but as a mentor.”
Eliot froze. “A mentor?”
Dr. Wren nodded. “Someone who’s tasted both success and failure. Someone who can speak to teenagers not from a place of perfection, but from understanding. You’ve been through the fall. That’s powerful.”
Her words dug deep. That night, Eliot couldn’t sleep. His thoughts wandered to the idea of being useful again—not as someone perfect, but as someone real.
Three weeks later, Eliot stood before a group of ten teenagers at the youth center. Nervous, palms sweaty, heart pounding, he introduced himself.
“My name is Eliot. I used to think failure was the end of everything. But I learned something more important: sometimes, falling is the only way we learn how to rise.”
It wasn’t a grand speech. But it was honest. And for the first time in a long while, Eliot felt the spark of something that had once burned brightly in him.
Week by week, he met with the group. They talked about dreams, fears, broken homes, anger, and guilt. Eliot didn’t have all the answers, but he listened. He guided. He encouraged. One of the boys, Mateo, who had been suspended three times for fighting, began writing poetry. Another, Lena, who had dropped out of school, enrolled in a GED program.
Eliot started reading again—books he once loved, like To Kill a Mockingbird and The Alchemist. He found joy in small victories and rediscovered his voice. He began journaling his journey—not as a roadmap to success but as a bridge between brokenness and healing.
One evening, Dr. Wren pulled him aside.
“I’ve watched you grow, Eliot,” she said. “There’s a scholarship program for aspiring educators—people who want to help others the way you’ve been helping here.”
Eliot’s first reaction was doubt. “I’m not sure I’m cut out for college anymore.”
“You’re not the same Eliot who gave up,” she smiled. “You’re stronger now. Not because you’ve avoided failure, but because you’ve walked through it.”
He applied.
He got accepted.
And three years later, Eliot stood at a podium at his graduation from the university’s school of education. His speech was titled “The Bridge of Second Chances.” He told the story of a boy who once feared failure more than anything, and how that fear almost drowned him. But then, someone believed in him. Someone offered not a ladder of success, but a bridge of hope. He walked across it, slowly and shakily—but he made it.
After his speech, he was approached by a young man with tears in his eyes.
“Your story is mine,” he said. “I’ve failed, too. But you made me believe I can start again.”
And Eliot realized that this—this moment of connection, of healing, of shared humanity—was what he was born to do.
He became a teacher.
But not just a teacher of subjects. He taught life. He taught resilience. He taught the value of second chances.
Years later, when his own students would stumble, Eliot wouldn’t scold them. He’d sit with them, look them in the eye, and say:
“Do you know what bridges are made for? Crossing. Even the broken parts. Especially the broken parts.”
—
Moral of the Story:
Failure isn’t the end of the road; it’s often just the bend that takes you on a better path. Everyone deserves a second chance—especially when they think they don’t.
Surayyo Nosirova Elyor qizi was born on May 13, 2006, in the Narpay district of the Samarkand region, Uzbekistan. From an early age, she showed a deep interest in literature, languages, and creative expression. Her passion for learning and writing became evident during her school years, where she actively participated in various academic, literary, and cultural activities.
Currently, Surayyo is a first-year student at the Uzbekistan State University of World Languages, specializing in English Philology and Teaching. She is known for her strong academic performance and her dedication to mastering the English language. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom—she is the author of three published books: Heartfelt Thoughts, Voices in Writing, and Beyond Words: Mastering English. Each of these works reflects her insights into language learning, writing skills, and the emotional depth of student life.
In addition to her books, Surayyo has written numerous articles and short stories that have been featured on various literary platforms and online magazines. She is an active participant in youth development programs, literary competitions, and creative workshops, including camps such as the Anim Camp organized by the Youth Affairs Agency of Uzbekistan.
Surayyo also leads and contributes to several student initiatives, including reading competitions and motivational projects like the “Readers’ Championship,” which encourages young people to engage with literature in innovative ways.
Through her writing, leadership, and academic achievements, Surayyo continues to inspire her peers and the younger generation. She is a passionate advocate for education, self-expression, and lifelong learning, aiming to make a meaningful impact on her community and the future of language education in Uzbekistan.
Beyond the Binary: Gender Roles and the Diplomacy of Open Minds
Introduction: The Personal and the Spiritual
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, how we understand and respond to gender roles is more than a cultural footnote—it is central to our spiritual journey, governance, development, and personal relationships. Gender roles, as outlined in the Bible, are not fixed ideologies etched in stone; they are dynamic, evolving, and deeply contextual.
My own experience is proof of this paradox. In my family, gender roles have profoundly shaped the way we relate to one another. The traditional expectations we inherit dictate our responsibilities and aspirations, yet an underlying discord remains: each of us operates within the cusp of our acceptance and understanding. This limitation constrains our ability to evolve beyond preordained roles—yet the capacity for change exists, if only we make space for it.
A Brief Historical Backdrop
Historically, gender roles have been constructed through a complex web of religion, economics, war, labor, and culture. Ancient matrilineal societies like the Minangkabau in Indonesia or the Iroquois Confederacy in North America stood in contrast to the patriarchal structures of ancient Rome or feudal Europe. With the Industrial Revolution came a rigid divide: the public sphere for men, the domestic for women.
The 20th century shattered many of these binaries. World Wars I and II saw women entering the workforce en masse. The feminist movements—from the suffragists of the early 1900s to the second-wave feminism of the 1960s and intersectional feminism of today—challenged inherited norms and demanded new paradigms of equality and representation.
But progress is not linear. In some families and communities—including my own—tradition persists, creating tensions between progress and resistance.
Personal Reflections: The Limitations of Acceptance
Growing up, gender roles shaped my family’s dynamics in ways that often felt immovable. There were clear expectations—who was responsible for earning, who managed household affairs, who was granted emotional space, and who bore the invisible weight of cultural obligations. Yet, as our world evolved, these once-fixed roles felt increasingly impractical, if not outright restrictive.
At times, I saw my father wrestle with the idea that nurturing was not solely a maternal trait. I observed my mother balance professional aspirations against unspoken pressures to maintain domestic harmony. My siblings and I, in different ways, have questioned why we must conform to roles dictated by tradition rather than individual potential. This disconnect—between the roles we inherited and the realities we live—demands dialogue, effort, and an openness to change.
Case Studies: The Global Friction in Gender Roles
This struggle is not unique. Across the world, individuals and institutions grapple with the limits imposed by gender roles.
Example 1: The Japanese Corporate Landscape
Japan, a country known for both tradition and technological advancement, continues to struggle with gender equality in the workplace. Despite progress, corporate hierarchies often reinforce expectations that women should prioritize family over career. The result? Women frequently face the “M-shaped curve”—leaving the workforce after childbirth with limited re-entry opportunities. But change is happening policies advocating for parental leave and inclusive work environments are slowly reshaping these structures.
Example 2: South Africa’s Shift in Household Dynamics
In South Africa, gender roles intersect with economic realities. Historically, patriarchal structures placed men as primary providers. Yet, with shifts in employment trends and societal expectations, women increasingly assume financial leadership in families. This transition is not always met with acceptance, leading to conflicts where traditional masculinity clashes with contemporary survival needs.
Example 3: The Rise of Nonbinary Identities in Legal Frameworks
The recognition of nonbinary identities in countries such as Canada, India, and Germany marks a significant departure from historical gender binaries. However, legal acknowledgment does not automatically translate to social acceptance. Individuals navigating gender fluidity often encounter resistance—not due to inherent opposition, but because established frameworks struggle to adapt.
Why Keeping an Open Mind Matters
Open-mindedness is not about abandoning one’s values—it’s about making room for other realities. In diplomacy, this is especially vital. Misunderstanding gender roles in a host country can derail peace talks, foreign aid programs, or education campaigns. In everyday life, failing to listen to different experiences creates exclusion and resentment.
In my own family, I’ve seen that the mere act of listening—without immediate rebuttal—creates opportunities for dialogue that were once impossible. Understanding precedes transformation.
Five Ways to Keep an Open Mind About Gender Roles
Interrogate Your Assumptions
Ask yourself where your beliefs about gender roles come from—family, religion, media—and whether they still hold true in the face of new evidence.
Listen Without Rebuttal
Let people speak about their experiences without preparing a counterpoint. Listening is not the same as agreeing, but it opens the door to understanding.
Consume Diverse Narratives
Read books, watch films, and follow thought leaders from different genders, cultures, and identities. Empathy grows through exposure.
Be Comfortable with Discomfort
Growth often comes from discomfort. If something challenges your worldview, sit with it. Ask why it feels threatening.
Update, Don’t Cancel
You’re allowed to evolve. Holding a belief ten years ago doesn’t make you irredeemable—it makes you human. Be open to changing your mind.
Conclusion: The Diplomacy of the Self
Gender roles are no longer dictated solely by tradition or biology—they are in dialogue with economics, technology, global mobility, and generational change. In that dialogue, the most effective diplomats are those who can listen deeply, adapt respectfully, and think critically.
In my own life, I have seen that acceptance and understanding are the first steps toward change. A family, a workplace, a nation—none transform overnight. But a modicum of effort can create ripples that extend far beyond personal experience.
An open mind is not a passive one. It is a powerful tool for transformation—of policies, institutions, and most importantly, of ourselves.
References
Beauvoir, S. de. (1949). The Second Sex.
Butler, J. (1990). Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity.
