Essay from Sevinch Rustamova

Dark clouds cover my sky,

As if my heart has shattered into pieces.

It waited for you, hoping you would return,

But you will not come back.

Proud, graceful gazelle,

Those gazelle-like eyes once enchanted me.

Tell me now, what should I call you?

A cruel, unfaithful, heartless one?

Your lashes like sharp spears,

Your brows dark as the night,

Those cherry-like eyes of yours—

Thoughts of you

Never leave my mind.

I love you,

Yet it means nothing now.

You are you, and I am me,

Our paths have long been separated.

The pain of separation never fades,

The fiery flame of love burns my heart.

A trembling has covered my whole being;

My heart has stopped—

It no longer beats.

In my veins, it feels as though

Not blood but emptiness flows.

This world has become too narrow for my eyes.

The sky belongs to the stars,

The tree to its roots—

But for me…

Nothing truly matters.

No, it does matter.

My heart longs for a cure.

Otherwise, what use are

All these riches and possessions,

All desires and ambitions?

I only wish to be loved.

Yet you left me.

Still, despite everything,

I will wait for you.

Even if you are not mine,

Just be happy.

You have forgotten me—

My gazelle-eyed one, my sweet-spoken one.

Until my very last breath,

I will love you.

And for your happiness,

I will keep living and fighting.

Sevinch Rustamova Shukhrat qizi was born on October 13, 2005, Kashkadarya region, Uzbekistan. She is currently a third-year student of the Faculty of Medicine (Med-01U group) at Kimyo International University in Tashkent.

She has participated in several international Olympiads and has a strong interest in poetry and literature. Her poems and creative works have been published in international anthologies in Egypt and Qatar.

In addition, in 2025 she took part in an International Anthology in Turkey, where she presented her creative works and delivered a speech on an international platform.

Furthermore, her scientific articles and theses have been published in a number of high-level academic journals. She also actively participates in national conferences and scientific forums, contributing to academic and literary discussions.

Poetry from Ibragimova Orzigul Sharobiddinovna

MY AGRARIAN UNIVERSITY

Around it lie the hills and gentle plains,
Gardens and orchards spreading like domains.
Far mountains seem so close, within our sight,
In this fair land stands Agrarian bright.

Professors and lecturers teach with care,
Guiding students to knowledge rich and rare.
From Mother Earth they gather harvests grand,
My Agrarian that trains the farmers’ hand.

Supplying people food both pure and clean,
Devoting lives to this profession keen.
Healing the animals from illness and pain,
My Agrarian where zooengineers gain.

In every herb they seek a healing art,
From nature’s gifts they guard the human heart.
Descendants of Avicenna’s wisdom sure,
My Agrarian where biologists mature.

Reaching out hands in friendship far and wide,
With Hungary in joint education tied.
Its fame has reached the Ministry above,
My Agrarian that welcomes you with love.

My name is Ibragimova Orzigul Sharobiddinovna. I was born on January 5, 1990, in Uchko‘prik district of Fergana region. Currently, I am a first-year student in the Zooengineering program at the Agrarian Joint Faculty of Fergana State University.

I am married and I have three sons. My achievements today are largely due to the great support of my father Sharobiddin, my mother Muxabbatxon, and my husband Zafarjon. My family members and close relatives have always been my support and encouragement. Since my childhood, I have been writing poetry, and I sincerely express my gratitude to my teachers who have helped me grow and develop on this creative path. I would also like to express my special thanks to the Dean of our faculty, Sh. Mamajonov, the Deputy Dean for Spiritual and Educational Affairs, Sh. Mamurov, my scientific supervisor B. Boboyev, the Deputy Dean for Women’s Affairs, M. Yusupova, and our tutors for their constant support and guidance.

Poetry from Mark Young

Stacked chairs & a regime change

Shirley Temple once said “I’ve 

led three lives,” a phrase not

to be confused with the story

of the FBI agent who joined 

the communists. Is said that

it was the FBI who funded the

U.S. Communist Party because 

there were so many agents 

signed up — 1500 out of 10,000 

at one point — & because they

were actually employed by the

Feds, they regularly paid their

dues. I can’t find anything Miss

Temple had to say about that.

In vain

I am spending my days — & nights —

either reading books, journals, & news-

papers, or watching free-to-air tv plus

everyone of the streaming services we

subscribe to, searching for an ending 

that I can pilfer. Certainly some of the

things I come across set off a certain 

frisson, but the ancillary requirements

tend to negate them as possibilities. As

example, I do not have five centuries

to get myself into the state of being that

is deemed necessary to reach Nirvana.

Meaning I’ll be going to bed hungry 

until the middle of next week at least.

The wars of the Hoecks & the Cabbeljaws

The dead woman appeared un-

harmed. Two young children 

wrapped in plastic were also at 

the home. A recording from the 

driver’s own car was taken into 

protective custody & confirmed 

that the suspect, renowned for 

playing complex women on the 

stage, faces an extortion charge. 

randomized eccentricities

Orbital eccentricities roam the

streets on foggy nights to see 

what the latest fashions displayed 

in shop windows are. But since

Rome wasn’t built in a day, they

are still there the next night, like

cats caught in a blackberry patch.

Late-stage excitation often results.

A line from George Lucas

The term “race records” was coined in 1922.

Policy disputes play on. Energy costs are

a significant concern. It’s my first time in

therapy, & we are very pigeonholed. If you 

don’t fit in that box, then it’s time to flip the

script. Politicians have scapegoated hand-

made artisans for decades. Record labels no

longer view music as a vital creative force 

& offer such shifty deals these days that art-

ists will never be able to make money from 

them. Backing bands are now made to stand, 

remove their headwear, refrain from talking. 

Photography from Jacques Fleury

Photos c/o Jacques Fleury

Young adult Black man with short shaved hair, a big smile, and a suit and purple tie.
Jacques Fleury

Jacques Fleury is a Boston Globe featured Haitian American Poet, Educator, Author of four books and literary arts student at Harvard University online. His latest publication “You Are Enough: The Journey to Accepting Your Authentic Self” & other titles are available at all Boston Public Libraries, the University of Massachusetts Healey Library, University of Wyoming, Askews and Holts Library Services in the United Kingdom, The Harvard Book Store, The Grolier Poetry Bookshop, Amazon etc… He has been published in prestigious publications such as Spirit of Change Magazine, Wilderness House Literary Review, Muddy River Poetry Review, Litterateur Redefining World anthologies out of India, Poets Reading the News, the Cornell University Press anthology Class Lives: Stories from Our Economic Divide, Boston Area Small Press and Poetry Scene among others…Visit him at:  http://www.authorsden.com/jacquesfleury.–

Silhouetted figure leaping off into the unknown with hand and leg raised. Bushes and tree in the foreground, mountains ahead. Book is green and yellow with black text and title.
Jacques Fleury’s book You Are Enough: The Journey Towards Understanding Your Authentic Self

Poetry from Su Yun

Child, Stand Up

By Su Yun (China)

Translated by Cao Shui

A child crawling out of a stone

The world seems unable to accommodate your innocent movements

You are holding flowers, jumping and swaying

The cannon covers you with ferocity

You touch the graffiti and turn around the windowsill

Sharp blade blasting threatens your chest

Stripping away your unformed cognition of love

Do you remember the vines planted in your childhood

Do you imagine the expected blooming of flowers

Do you know that your mother also once

Gradually deepening the wait

Waiting for your heart to be opened by love

Share the colors you bring to the world

The cannon fodder will alter the crow painting

Leave behind the gray and white of sorrow and hatred

Filled with sadness that cannot be buried

Remember that the vines are connected deeper into one vein

Continue to hold onto your love

You stand up and try to search for it

Understand that the enemy is the most unworthy existence

You stand up and learn to take steps

Bring true color to the land              

Su Yun, 17 years old, is a member of the Chinese Poetry Society and a young poet. His works have been published in more than ten countries. He has published two poetry collections in China, namely Inspiration from All Things and Wisdom and Philosophy, and one in India titled WITH ECSTASY OF MUSINGS IN TRANQUILITY. He has won the Guido Gozzano Orchard Award in Italy, the Special Award for Foreign Writers in the City of Pomezia, and was praised by the organizing committee as the “Craftsman of Chinese Lyric Poetry”. He has also received the “Cuttlefish Bone” Best International Writer Award for those under 25.

Essay from Alimqulova Munisa Abdurayimovna

Alimqulova Munisa Abdurayimovna
11th Grade Student

Determinants of Success in Winning International Scholarships: Preparation, Motivation, and Strategic Planning

Abstract

International scholarships play a significant role in promoting global academic mobility and equal access to higher education. Despite the growing number of scholarship programs, competition remains intense, and many qualified students fail to secure funding. This paper examines the main determinants of success in winning international scholarships, focusing on academic achievement, language proficiency, personal statements, and extracurricular engagement. The study argues that scholarship attainment is strongly associated with early preparation, clarity of goals, and strategic self-presentation rather than academic excellence alone.

Keywords: international scholarships, academic mobility, grant application, higher education, student preparation


1. Introduction

The globalization of higher education has expanded opportunities for students to pursue academic studies abroad. Governments and universities increasingly invest in scholarship schemes to promote international mobility and cross-cultural exchange (Altbach & Knight, 2007). However, scholarship selection processes remain highly competitive, often requiring more than strong academic records.

While many students believe scholarships are awarded solely based on grades, research suggests that selection committees adopt a holistic evaluation approach (Perna et al., 2014). This paper explores the key determinants that increase the likelihood of winning international scholarships and highlights the importance of systematic preparation.


2. Literature Review

Academic mobility has been widely discussed in higher education research. According to Altbach and Knight (2007), internationalization enhances knowledge exchange and institutional development. Financial assistance programs play a crucial role in ensuring that talented students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds can access global education opportunities.

Perna et al. (2014) emphasize that scholarship decisions are influenced not only by academic merit but also by leadership potential and long-term impact. Similarly, studies on application essays indicate that clarity of motivation and alignment with program objectives significantly affect outcomes (Hirschman & Berrey, 2017).

Furthermore, language proficiency is recognized as a critical predictor of academic success in international contexts (Andrade, 2006). Students with strong communication skills are more likely to adapt successfully to foreign academic environments.


3. Methodology

This study employs a qualitative analytical approach based on secondary data. It synthesizes existing literature on academic mobility and scholarship selection criteria from publicly available international funding programs. The objective is to identify recurring patterns and determinants associated with successful applications.


4. Key Determinants of Scholarship Success

4.1 Academic Achievement

Academic performance remains a foundational requirement. High academic results reflect discipline, intellectual ability, and consistency. However, evidence suggests that academic excellence alone does not guarantee selection (Perna et al., 2014).

4.2 Language Proficiency

Standardized language assessments such as IELTS and TOEFL are common prerequisites for English-medium programs. Language competence supports both academic performance and social integration (Andrade, 2006).

4.3 Personal Statement and Motivation

The personal statement functions as a narrative of professional identity. Successful applicants demonstrate coherence between their academic background, career goals, and the mission of the scholarship program (Hirschman & Berrey, 2017).

4.4 Leadership and Social Engagement

Participation in community initiatives, volunteering, and leadership roles strengthens applications. Scholarship committees often prioritize candidates who demonstrate social responsibility and future contribution potential (Perna et al., 2014).

4.5 Strategic Preparation

Early planning, document organization, and awareness of deadlines significantly improve competitiveness. Applicants who understand evaluation criteria are better positioned to align their profiles accordingly.


5. Discussion

The analysis indicates that scholarship success results from a combination of academic competence, language proficiency, leadership experience, and strategic self-presentation. Rather than rewarding isolated excellence, selection processes favor well-rounded individuals whose achievements align with program objectives.

Resilience also plays an important role. High rejection rates reflect intense competition rather than applicant inadequacy. Continuous improvement and reapplication may increase the probability of success.


6. Conclusion

International scholarships serve as vital mechanisms for promoting global education and professional development. Success in obtaining such funding depends on multiple interconnected factors, including academic performance, language skills, leadership qualities, and systematic preparation.

Students who approach scholarship applications strategically and demonstrate clear future goals significantly enhance their chances of securing international grants.


References

Altbach, P. G., & Knight, J. (2007). The internationalization of higher education: Motivations and realities. Journal of Studies in International Education, 11(3–4), 290–305. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315307303542

Andrade, M. S. (2006). International students in English-speaking universities: Adjustment factors. Journal of Research in International Education, 5(2), 131–154. https://doi.org/10.1177/1475240906065589

Hirschman, D., & Berrey, E. (2017). The elite university admission process: Narrative evaluation and merit construction. Sociology of Education, 90(4), 300–315. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038040717724818

Perna, L. W., Orosz, K., & Jumakulov, Z. (2014). Understanding the programmatic and contextual factors that influence participation in scholarship programs. Higher Education, 67(3), 363–385. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-013-9654-3

Essay from Otamurodova Asal

The Role of Family in the Development of the Nation


The family is the most important foundation of society and the starting point of human life. Every person learns their values and moral standards within the family. A strong family is the cornerstone of a stable society.


Today, in the Republic of Uzbekistan, supporting families, encouraging young families, and providing social assistance are important directions of state policy. May 15 is widely celebrated as International Family Day. The family is the foundation of the nation. A strong family guarantees stability and progress in society.


In modern families, women are engaged in entrepreneurial activities, contributing to the material well-being of the household. Parents raise their children to be knowledgeable, patriotic, and responsible individuals. Moreover, the family plays an important role in passing national values from generation to generation and preserving the cultural heritage of society.


Every family has its own values. Preserving family values is the duty of every person. Family members should show respect and love to each other, while children should be attentive and considerate toward their parents. The family’s history, traditions, and customs passing continuously from one generation to another strengthens the stability of society.


Child upbringing begins in the family. A child learns love, respect, and moral values from their parents. A child raised in a healthy family grows up to be independent, honest, and responsible. Parents prepare their children for life, raising them to be knowledgeable and socially active. Therefore, love, warmth, and affection within the family are extremely important for the child’s mental health and future.