Essay from Surayyo Nosirova (one of two)

YOUTH, MEDIA, AND THE FUTURE OF CLIMATE COMMUNICATION

Abstract: Environmental degradation in Central Asia is often accompanied by a lack of visibility in public discourse, resulting in what can be described as a climate communication gap. This article explores the challenges faced by journalists in reporting climate change, including limited access to data, fragmented narratives, and audience disengagement. Special attention is given to the role of youth, digital media, and innovative storytelling formats in reshaping climate communication. By analyzing the potential of cross-border journalistic collaboration and human-centered reporting, the article positions climate journalism as both a communicative and ethical practice. It concludes that strengthening climate narratives is vital for transforming environmental silence into informed public action.

Keywords: Climate communication, environmental journalism, youth engagement, digital media, cross-border reporting, public awareness

One of the most dangerous aspects of climate change in Central Asia is not only environmental degradation, but silence. Many climate-related stories remain invisible—not because they do not exist, but because they are underreported, fragmented, or framed as technical issues beyond public concern. This silence carries a cost. When climate impacts are not communicated effectively, they fail to translate into political urgency or social mobilization.

Journalists often face structural barriers when covering climate topics. Limited access to reliable data, lack of training in environmental reporting, and editorial priorities that favor short-term political news all restrict the depth of climate storytelling. In some cases, environmental journalism is perceived as “soft” or secondary, despite its long-term consequences. This marginalization reflects a broader misunderstanding of climate change as an environmental issue rather than a comprehensive societal challenge.

The absence of strong climate narratives also affects public perception. Without consistent and contextual reporting, climate change appears abstract or inevitable. People adapt individually—saving water, changing crops, migrating—without recognizing their experiences as part of a larger pattern. Journalism has the power to transform these isolated adaptations into collective awareness.

Young people occupy a paradoxical position in the climate crisis. They are among the most affected by long-term environmental changes, yet they often lack decision-making power. However, youth are also reshaping media consumption and communication practices. Social media platforms, digital storytelling, and visual journalism offer new opportunities to engage audiences that traditional reporting struggles to reach.

Climate journalism aimed at younger audiences must move beyond fear-based narratives. While urgency is necessary, constant catastrophe leads to disengagement. Stories of local innovation, community resilience, and cross-border cooperation can inspire agency rather than despair. When young people see themselves reflected in climate stories—not as passive victims but as active participants—the conversation shifts from survival to responsibility.

Digital tools also allow journalists to experiment with formats: interactive maps, short videos, podcasts, and data visualizations. These formats are particularly effective in explaining slow-onset climate processes such as desertification or water depletion, which lack the immediacy of sudden disasters but are equally destructive. Central Asia’s environmental future is deeply interconnected. Rivers, air currents, and ecosystems cross borders effortlessly, while policies and narratives often remain confined within them. Climate journalism can function as an informal form of regional diplomacy, fostering understanding where political dialogue may be limited.

Cross-border reporting projects allow journalists to compare data, share methodologies, and contextualize local stories within regional trends. A drought in one country becomes part of a regional pattern; a policy success in another offers a model for adaptation. Such collaboration not only improves journalistic quality but also challenges audiences to think beyond national frameworks.

International conferences and summits provide rare spaces for these exchanges. They enable journalists to reflect on their role not only as observers but as mediators between science, policy, and society. Climate change demands this mediating role more urgently than any other topic.

Climate change in Central Asia is not a future scenario—it is a present condition. Water scarcity, ecological inequality, and environmental silence are already shaping lives across the region. Journalism stands at a critical intersection: it can either reinforce fragmentation or cultivate shared understanding.

To report on climate change is to make ethical choices—about language, framing, and whose voices are amplified. When climate journalism connects data with lived experience, local realities with global processes, and fear with possibility, it becomes more than information. It becomes a form of civic engagement.

As water slowly shifts from presence to memory, the stories told today will determine how that memory is understood. Whether it becomes a symbol of loss or a catalyst for change depends on the narratives journalists choose to build—and the courage to tell them clearly, persistently, and across borders.

REFERENCES

IPCC. (2023). Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

United Nations Development Programme. (2022). Climate Change Adaptation in Central Asia. UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS.

World Bank. (2021). Water Security and Climate Risks in Central Asia. World Bank Group.

Boykoff, M. T. (2019). Creative (Climate) Communications: Productive Pathways for Science, Policy, and Society. Cambridge University Press.

Nisbet, M. C. (2018). Strategic Communication in the Climate Change Debate. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Climate Science.

Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. (2020). Journalism, Media, and the Challenge of Climate Change. University of Oxford.

Surayyo Nosirova was born on May 13, 2006, in Narpay District of the Samarkand region, Uzbekistan. She is a sophomore majoring in English Philology at Uzbekistan State World Languages University. Surayyo is an author and young writer with a strong interest in literature, language learning, and creative projects.

Essay from Mashhura Kamolova

Why do exams fail to measure real intelligence?

Nowadays, exams play a crucial role in determining students` academic success. The question of whether exams truly measure one`s knowledge remains a subject of ongoing debate. From school to university, students are constantly judged by their grades. Many people believe that the more learners get high mark, the more they are intelligent. If they get low marks, they are not smart enough. However, I strongly believe that exams do not really measure real intelligence for several reasons. They only show how well a person`s preparation is for a specific test in a limited time.

First of all, intelligence is much more than memorizing information. Exams usually focus on facts, formulas, dates, and definitions. Students spend hours trying to remember everything, sometimes without even understanding the topic deeply. After the exam, most of that information is forgotten. Is that real intelligence? I don’t think so. Real intelligence means understanding ideas, thinking critically, and being able to use knowledge in real-life situations, not just writing it on paper for two hours.

Another reason why exams are not a true measure of intelligence is stress. Many students feel extremely nervous during exams. Even if they studied a lot, anxiety can make them forget simple things. Some people are just not good at performing under pressure. Their hands shake, their mind goes blank, and they panic. Absolutely, these factors affect their exam results. That does not mean they are not intelligent. It just means the exam environment is not suitable for everyone. Intelligence should not depend on how calm you are in a stressful situation.

Moreover, people have different talents and abilities. Some students are creative, others are good at communication, leadership or solving practical problems. For example, a person may not get high grades in math, but he or she might be proficient in art or music. Another student may struggle with written exams but be very confident when speaking and presenting ideas. Unfortunately, traditional exams do not measure creativity, emotional intelligence or social skills. They mostly measure academic knowledge.

In real life, intelligence looks very different from exam performance. People work in teams, search for information, ask for advice, and think carefully before making decisions. During exams, students are expected to work alone, without any help, and finish everything within a strict time limit. This situation is not realistic. A successful businessperson or entrepreneur may not have been the best student in school, but they know how to solve problems, take risks, and think creatively. That is also a form of intelligence.

It is also important to mention that everyone has a different learning style. Some people learn better by doing practice, some through discussion, and others by watching videos or visual materials. However, exams usually follow one format for everyone, like multiple-choice questions or written answers. This system does not consider individual differences. It forces all students to fit into the same structure, even though intelligence is diverse and complex.

Of course, exams are not completely useless. They can help teachers check whether students understand basic concepts. They also teach responsibility and time management. But the problem starts when society treats exam results as the only indicator of intelligence. When someone gets a low grade, they may start thinking they are not smart, which can seriously affect their confidence and motivation. On the other hand, a student with high grades might think they are automatically more intelligent than others, which is not always true.

In my opinion, schools and universities should use more varied methods to evaluate students. Projects, presentations, group work, and creative assignments can show different types of abilities. This would give students more chances to express themselves and show their strengths. Intelligence cannot be reduced to a single number or letter grade. According to Howard Gardner`s theory of multiple intelligence, a person can be very strong in one area but only average in another which is completely normal. For this reason, most traditional exams seem quite limited, as they mainly focus on linguistic and logical-mathematical skills.

To conclude, memorization, stress management, and time pressure cannot fully define how smart a person is. Real intelligence includes creativity, emotional awareness, problem-solving skills, critical thinking and easy adaptation to different situations. While exams may test knowledge, they do not truly measure a person’s full potential or real intelligence. Therefore, instead of focusing only on grading learners, assessment is expected to support learning, recognize individual differences, not measure students` ability to memorize information.

My name is Mashhura Kamolova. I was born in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. I completed my secondary education in my hometown, where I developed a strong interest in learning foreign languages and improving my academic knowledge.

In 2025, I successfully got into the university with a score of 189 on the national entrance examination and was awarded a state grant based on my results. Currently, I am a first-year student at Uzbekistan State World Languages University. Studying at this university is a significant step in my academic and professional development.

My future goal is to become a qualified teacher in my field of specialization. I am motivated to contribute to the education system and help young learners gain knowledge and confidence in foreign languages. I believe that teaching is not only a profession but also a responsibility to shape future generations.

In my free time, I enjoy horse riding and drawing. These hobbies help me relax and express my creativity. I believe that personal interests are important for maintaining balance between academic life and personal growth.

I am determined to continue working hard in order to achieve my goals and become a competent specialist in my chosen field.

Poetry from Stephen Jarrell Williams

She Said She Could

She said she could

feel

everyone’s

pain

all types of pain

ever since

she was

a small child

behind the bars

of her crib

alone in her room

especially when

they walked by

thinking she was

asleep

but she was awake

with her eyes

closed

sensing emotions

of every type

and degree

hot or cold

whispering

or silent

she was

there

within

them

moments magnified

breath to breath

heartbeat to heartbeat

she couldn’t

die

to all the slow dying

so she

kept them from dying.

The Wait

I’m approaching

my peak

feeling

it

every second

I think

and feel

tip and tease

heading straight

into years

down that path

street turning

into corners

I’ll make the max

of what I’ve got

so wait until

you’re ready

to understand

the years of fate

are

great!

To Be or Not to Be

I don’t want

to be

crazy

but sometimes

I am

enjoying it

so much

I’m not sure

if I should

stop

or just pop

open

to everything!

Essay from Bakhtiyorova Zakro Farkhod qizi

THE PLACE AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SHORT STORY IN TODAY’S LITERATURE 

Kattakurgan State Pedagogical Institute

Faculty of Philology and Social Sciences

1st year student

of the Uzbek language and literature

Bakhtiyorova Zakro Farkhod qizi

bakhtiyorovazakhro1@gmail.com

 Phone: (+998) 77 219 02 28

Abstract: The article analyzes the role and historical significance of the short story genre, one of the genres of fiction, in fiction today from a historical, literary and theoretical perspective. It sheds light on the formation and development of the short story genre, as well as its inextricable connection with religious, historical and educational sources. In particular, the role of the short story traditions in classical literature, including the work “Qissasi Rabguziy” in the development of the genre, is considered separately. The study substantiates the role of short stories in preserving historical memory, forming a moral and aesthetic ideal, and understanding national identity with the help of scientific evidence. It also analyzes the transformation of the short story genre in modern fiction, the processes of renewal in its compositional and methodological features.

Keywords: stories, historical, significance, contemporary fiction, spiritual nourishment, human qualities, linguistic theory, stories mentioned in the Holy Quran.

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, for lovers of fiction, each work has its own unique charm and unique harmony of meaning. Such works, with their aesthetic richness and spiritual maturity, gently touch the heartstrings of the reader, give them a good mood, make them laugh, inspire them, teach them to look at life in a new way, to be loving to those around them. At the same time, with their underlying meaning, they lead to moral perfection. Most of such masterpieces are written in the short story genre. When did the short story genre originally appear? Who were the first to create in this genre? What is the purpose of writing short stories? What spiritual nourishment can be obtained from the short stories being written today? To find answers to such questions, we need to look at history.

The historical significance of short stories and their place in the present day are very important for us. A number of stories are narrated in the work of Nasuriddin Rabguziy, “The Story of Rabguziy” and in the Holy Quran. This study serves to shed light on the moral ideas in these stories and to reveal their intended purpose. In addition, it also conducts research on the language of the work from a linguistic perspective.

REVIEW OF USED LITERATURE

 Over the past 5 years, especially in 2024-2025, the genre of the story has been actively studied in literary studies, new interpretations and methodological approaches are being developed. Azimov.A. cites the following information in his dissertation: Current Uzbek stories have been studied by many literary scholars. These include scientific studies such as S. Mamajonov’s “Uslub jilolari”, U. Normatov’s “Ufqlari nasrimiz”, A. Rasulov’s “Ardoqli adib”, H. Umurov’s “Kahramonning man’ami olam i epiclik” (The Spiritual World of the Hero and Epicism). The methodological basis of the work is theoretical works created on literary works, published works on the nature of the short story genre and the spiritual world of the creator. The work mainly uses descriptive analysis, and in some cases comparative analysis methods.

This scientific work examines the ideological and aesthetic assessment of contemporary Uzbek short stories, the study of the objective and subjective aspects of the characters in the stories, the portrayal of the characters’ psyche, the extent to which contemporary writers have been able to reflect life in a work of art, and the transformation of life’s conflicts from a social phenomenon into an artistic phenomenon based on contemporary Uzbek short stories.

Ulugbek Hamdam, in his article entitled “The Interpretation of Morality in the Poetics of the Story in Subconscious Experiences,” makes the following points: “When analyzing a work of art, we either do not see or cannot see the presence of the author’s personality along with the participating characters. In works of art, the image of the author is manifested in the style of narration, the language of the work, and the methods of depiction. In a word, the image of the author consists of his aesthetic perceptions, thinking, ideology, the objects depicted, and his vices, which are vividly expressed in the work.”

Annayev Davlat Ismatovich, a 1st-year master’s student in the field of literary studies and Uzbek literature at Termez State University, provides the following information in his article entitled “The uniqueness and genre composition of the work “Qissasi ar-Rabguziy”: The first writer in the history of Turkic literature to start creating stories from narratives and stories in prose was Nasuriddin Burhoniddin Rabguziy. Only the work “Qissasi Rabguziy” (1309-1310) has survived to us. The work was written by order of the Muslim Mongol bey Nasuriddin Toqboga. The book is written in Turkic, mainly in prose, with hymns, summaries of some stories, lyrical experiences and the final part in verse.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

 It is known that the work “Qissasi Rab’guziy” is the first work in the genre of short stories written in prose. This work is very rich in spiritual terms, it covers a wide range of moral issues, and many stories mentioned in the Holy Quran are also given in this work, which both in history and today contribute to the education of the reader’s soul and the ability to control his soul, to distinguish between the lawful and the unlawful, and to reveal how bad envy is and that no human child can achieve salvation through it. The stories in the work, such as “Ibrahim alayhis-salamu wa Maa Namrud alayhil la’ana” about Abraham and the infidel king Namrud, “Ya’qub alayhis-salamu” about Jacob, who was an example of patience for all people, and “Yusuf Siddiq alayhis-salamu” about his son Joseph and his brothers who were always jealous of him, always serve as an example for us in terms of human qualities.

In addition, from the point of view of linguistics, a large part of this invaluable national heritage is attributed to V.V. Radlov, V. Thomsen, P.M. Melioransky, S.E. Malov, V.L. Kotvich, A. Fon, Gaben, G. Ramstedt, A.N. Kono

LIST OF REFERENCES USED:

1. Rabguziy, Nosuriddin Burhoniddin. “The Story of Rabguziy” (Editor N.A. Asilova; Foreword by E. Fozilov). K.I. – T.: Writer, 1999.-240p.: illustration)

Inv. In front of: Institute of Manuscripts named after H. Sulaymanov of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR.

2. Professor of Chirchik State Pedagogical University, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences Ulugbek Hamdam: “Interpretation of morality in the poetics of the story in the subconscious experiences”, p. 23.

3. Jabborov E. Folklore: image and interpretation.-Karshi: Nasaf, 1999.

4. Hamdamov U. Loneliness.-Tashkent: Yangi asr avlod, 2019

5. Muhammadjon Xolbekov. Landscapes of 20th-century modern literature. A progressive interpretation of 20th-century modernist prose Source taken from www.kh-davron.uz. 2018.

6. Azimov.A. Dissertation for the degree of Master on the topic “Artistic features of modern Uzbek stories”. Andijan 2021. 5 pages.

Poetry from Emeniano Somoza Jr.


Of Glasses and Poems

If I were not a poet,

I would be a glassblower.

The disciplines share a logic:

Heat.

Restraint.

Calibrated breath.

Unstable materials must first be tamed,

Then persuaded into a desired form.

Sand enters fire.

Language enters breath.

In each case, raw resistance must be guided,

not forced.

What slowly emerges as fragile

Is the lovechild of reason, faith, and science —

An interplay of delicate opacity with force,

Or, of primeval obstinacy with light

Where elements that do not agree must interact and hold — 

Until they meld for eternity.

Evolutionist nightmare: creation at its most exacting —

Less of mortal manipulation

than Divine expression.

Bionote: 
Emeniano Acain Somoza, Jr. considers himself the official spiritual advisor of his roommates, Gordot and Dwight – the first a goldfish, the other a Turkish Van cat. His works have been published in The Poetry Magazine, Moria Poetry Journal, Fogged Clarity, Everyday Poem, Loch Raven Review, The Buddhist Poetry Review, The Philippines Free Press, Troubadour 21, Full of Crow, Indigo Rising, Asia Writes, Triggerfish Critical Review, Troubadors 21, Gloom Cupboard, TAYO, Haggard & Halloo, and elsewhere. His first book, A Fistful of Moonbeams, was published by Kilmog Press in April 2010. His second, Kleenex Theory, published by Createspace-Amazon, came out in 2015. He is busy anthologizing emptiness and boredom at the moment.

Essay from Boymirzayeva Dilrabo

Motivation and Discipline as Key Drivers of Achieving Personal Goals

Boymirzayeva Dilrabo

1 st year student of University of World Economy and Diplomacy

E-mail: d1lrab0ym1rzayeva@gmail.com

Tel: + 998 99 098 51 01

Supervisor: A. Kh.Aripov

Associate Professor of the Department of Uzbek and Russian Languages,

PhD University of World Economy and Diplomacy

mumtozim@mail.ru

Abstract : This article explores the role of motivation and discipline in achieving personal goals. While motivation provides the initial drive, discipline ensures consistency and long-term commitment. The paper analyzes how internal motivation and self-discipline interact, highlights common challenges in maintaining goal-oriented behavior, and presents practical strategies supported by statistical data. The study emphasizes that sustainable success is built not on temporary inspiration, but on structured habits and personal responsibility. 

Key words :  motivation, discipline, personal goals, self-development, consistency

Shaxsiy maqsadlarga erishishda motivatsiya va intizomning o‘rni

Dilrabo Boymirzayeva

Jahon iqtisodiyoti va diplomatiya universiteti 1-kurs talabasi

Elektron pochta: d1lrab0ym1rzayeva@gmail.com

Ilmiy rahbar: A. X. Aripova

O‘zbek va rus tillari kafedrasi dotsenti, PhD

Jahon iqtisodiyoti va diplomatiya universiteti

mumtozim@mail.ru

Annotatsiya : Ushbu maqolada shaxsiy maqsadlarga erishishda motivatsiya va intizomning ahamiyati tahlil qilinadi. Motivatsiya insonni harakatga undovchi kuch bo‘lsa, intizom ushbu harakatni davomli va barqaror qiladi. Maqolada ichki motivatsiya, o‘zini boshqarish, odatlarni shakllantirish va natijaga erishish jarayonlari misollar asosida yoritiladi. Tadqiqot shuni ko‘rsatadiki, muvaffaqiyat tasodif emas, balki ongli tanlov va qat’iyat mahsulidir.

Kalit so‘zlar: Motivatsiya, intizom, shaxsiy maqsadlar, o‘zini rivojlantirish, barqarorlik

Роль мотивации и дисциплины в достижении личных целей

Дилрабо Боймирзаева

Студентка 1 курса Университета мировой экономики и дипломатии

E-mail:d1lrab0ym1rayeva@gmail.com

Научный руководитель: А.Х.Арипова

доцент кафедры Узбекского и русского языков, PhD

Университета мировой экономики и дипломатии

mumtozim@mail.ru

Аннотация : В данной статье рассматривается значение мотивации и дисциплины в процессе достижения личных целей. Мотивация выступает источником первоначального импульса, тогда как дисциплина обеспечивает устойчивость и регулярность действий. В статье анализируются внутренние факторы самоконтроля, формирование привычек и личная ответственность как основа долгосрочного успеха.

Ключевые слова: Мотивация, дисциплина, личные цели, саморазвитие, устойчивость

Introduction: 

   In modern society, achieving personal goals has become increasingly challenging due to constant distractions and high expectations. Many individuals start their journey with strong motivation yet fail to maintain progress over time. This raises an important question: what truly determines success? This article argues that while motivation initiates action, discipline sustains it. Understanding the balance between these two elements is essential for long-term personal development

Motivation as a Starting Force: 

   Motivation is the psychological energy that pushes an individual toward a desired outcome. It can be intrinsic, driven by personal values and satisfaction, or extrinsic, influenced by rewards or social recognition. Intrinsic motivation is generally more sustainable, as it aligns with a person’s identity and long-term aspirations. However, motivation is often unstable and influenced by emotions, environment, and temporary circumstances

Discipline as a Stability Mechanism: 

   Discipline is the ability to act consistently regardless of emotional state. Unlike motivation, discipline does not rely on mood or inspiration. It is built through routines, self-control, and conscious decision-making. Individuals who develop disciplined habits are more likely to continue working toward their goals even during periods of low motivation.

Statistical Example and Explanation:   

   According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association, individuals who rely primarily on habits rather than motivation are 40% more likely to achieve long-term goals. This statistic demonstrates that discipline-based systems, such as daily routines and measurable plans, significantly increase the probability of success by reducing dependence on emotional motivation

Continuation of the Article:

   Combining motivation and discipline creates a powerful framework for personal growth. Motivation provides direction, while discipline ensures execution. When individuals learn to act first and wait for motivation later, productivity and confidence increase. Over time, disciplined actions reinforce motivation, creating a positive feedback loop.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, motivation and discipline are not opposing forces but complementary elements of success. Motivation ignites the desire to change, while discipline transforms that desire into results. True achievement comes from understanding that progress depends not on how one feels, but on how consistently one acts. Developing discipline allows individuals to move forward even when motivation fades.

 References: 

  1. Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.
  2. Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits.
  3. American Psychological Association. (2021). Motivation and Habit Formation Studies.
  4. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation.