Story by Asmonur Rajabboyeva, English Translation by Shuxratova Nilufar

The Magical Camomile

In a place where the sun rose beautifully, a little camomile flower lived. But this camomile was not ordinary. It was magical. If someone made a wish with a true and kind heart, the camomile could make it come true.

Very few people knew this secret.One day, a little girl came near the camomile. She wanted to pick it and place it in her hair, but something made her stop. She felt the flower might be sad if she did that. So she sat down beside it, gently touched its soft petals, and said, It would be wonderful if there were some food right now.

Suddenly, food appeared in front of her. At first, she looked around, thinking someone was watching her, but there was no one. She smiled and began to eat. Then she said, Would you like to taste some? The camomile replied, No, I dont need any. I will be happy if you are happy.The girl understood she had found real magic.

From that day on, the camomile stayed with her and helped her whenever she made a heartfelt wish.

Story by Asmonur Rajabboyeva

English Translation by Shuxratova Nilufar

Shuxratova Nilufar Azizbek qizi was born on March 31, 2013, in Uchqo‘rg‘on district of Namangan region. She received her primary education at Secondary School No. 31 in her district. Currently, she continues her studies at the Is’hoqxon Ibrat Creative School in To‘raqo‘rg‘on district.Despite her young age, Nilufar has achieved a number of accomplishments before the age of 12. As a young translator, she has been translating many short stories from Uzbek into English. Through each new translation, she not only improves her language skills but also develops her creative thinking and literary abilities.

One of Nilufar’s greatest dreams is to become a student of Harvard University, one of the world’s most prestigious higher education institutions. From an early age, she has been strengthening her love for knowledge, language learning, reading, and creativity, moving steadily and determinedly toward her goal.Her teachers and relatives describe her as an intelligent, hardworking, inquisitive, and highly responsible girl. Each achievement Nilufar attains is a strong step toward her future great successes.

Poetry from Eva Petropoulou Lianou

Peace 

So expensive

We buy so many weapons

To maintain it

If we pray more

If we were kind to each other

We could say

We have Peace of mind

Poetic heart

Call for meditation

Inside our heart

Peace,

We say a lot

We make nothing

Peace,

Such as a woman

We adore

But few can get

Peace,

A value with no cost

If the humans understand the word…

I wish one day….

Poetry by Jamal Garougar

Older middle aged man with gray hair and a mustache and a dark blue sweater outside in a garden with blooming plants behind him.
 Nourina ⭐

By Jamal Garougar 🇲🇦

Since time immemorial,
the heart has been digging a well inside me
to listen to its own water…
No one knows
that peace begins with a single drop
negotiating with its stone
before leaping toward the light.

I walk,
and nameless birds hang from my shoulders,
gathering what falls from my thoughts
as if collecting seeds
waiting for the season of departure.

I watch the trees
hide faces in their bark—
one resembles my childhood,
another the world’s trembling fear,
and a third
I do not know,
yet it reassures me
as it watches
from the shimmer of night between the branches.

I move forward,
and the things around me shift
as if the universe
were readjusting its geometry
to the rhythm of my heart…
Stones listen,
the air takes notes,
grass spells out
my footsteps
like a child learning the alphabet
for the very first time.

I love…
not a single face,
but the space
between faces,
the luminous space
shaped by the quiet passage
of the heart.

I love how water
negotiates with the earth,
and how the earth
learns from the water’s flow
the tenderness of surrender.

I also love
that everything in the universe
is suspended by a delicate thread
held by the Creator
from an unseen place—
and yet
this thread breaks
only when we close our hearts.

I stop,
and memory escapes through a window,
from which a woman appears
whom I do not know,
yet I recognize
the way she calms the wind
as it brushes past her…
and I understand that love
is not a person,
but a ritual
that souls learn
only when they set themselves aside.

I grow silent,
and meaning flows
from unknown places,
as if language
had borrowed the voice of clouds
and left me
fallen in wonder.

And when night descends,
I feel my heart
closing its doors
and opening its single window
toward a sky
that breathes within me…
a sky
where every star
knew my name
before I was born,
and knew that I came
to plant
a small garden
where the world may rest
for just a moment.

Thus,
I become a sentence
in a book vaster than Earth,
and my life
becomes a code written
on a faint light,
read by angels
searching for a new reason
why humans
should not grow weary
of carrying this planet.

And here, within every heartbeat,
the heart continues to whisper…
Nourina is not the end of the poem—
but the beginning of everything.

Essay from Kucharov Bakhodir

Black and white photo of a Central Asian teen boy in a black suit coat, white collared shirt, and dark tie. He's looking down and has an embroidered headdress on his head.

Achieving Success in Professional Communication – A Core Competency of the Modern Individual

Today’s globalized world demands not only rapid technological development but also clear, effective, and meaningful communication between people. No matter the profession — whether a teacher, doctor, entrepreneur, or an aspiring specialist — one cannot reach their full potential without mastering professional communication. In many cases, success begins not with knowledge itself, but with the ability to express that knowledge correctly.

Communication – A Reflection of Professionalism

How a specialist speaks, their tone, and the clarity with which they present their thoughts all define their level of professionalism. Very often, a successful negotiation, a solved problem, or gained trust is the direct result of skillful communication. Modern work culture requires every employee not only to perform their tasks but also to cooperate effectively within a team and build constructive dialogue with clients.

Key Principles of Professional Communication

1. Clarity and Conciseness

Unnecessary expressions and deviations from the topic prolong conversations and weaken the outcome. The best speech is purposeful, brief, and meaningful.

2. The Culture of Listening

Many rush to express their own views, yet true success lies in the ability to listen. Hearing the other person fully and demonstrating understanding builds strong trust.

3. Ethics and Respect

Tone of voice, body language, and forms of address are important in professional interactions. Communication built on respect eases even the toughest situations.

4. Conflict Management

A professional does not escalate tension when problems arise. Instead, they analyze the situation and guide the discussion toward constructive solutions.

5. Adhering to Digital Communication Etiquette

Emails, messaging apps, and online meetings have become an inseparable part of work life. Writing professional emails, giving clear responses, and following online etiquette are all signs of true professionalism.

Why Is Professional Communication So Important Today?

Because in a rapidly changing labor market, the main factor that distinguishes individuals is how they present themselves. Strong communication skills:

provide a competitive advantage during job applications,

strengthen respect within teams,

enhance leadership potential,

help in making correct decisions during complex situations.

Conclusion

Professional communication is not just “speaking beautifully” — it is the foundation of every decision, partnership, and achievement. A person who can express their thoughts clearly, listen respectfully, and engage in cultured dialogue will succeed not only at work but in all aspects of life.

Improving communication skills is an important investment in ourselves, for those who know how to work with people are never deprived of opportunities.

Termez State University, Faculty of Uzbek Philology, Group 124, Journalism Department, Kucharov Bakhodir

Essay from Dilnoza Bekmurodova Navruzbekovna

Central Asian woman, young, with long straight dark hair and brown eyes ad a white fluffy blouse.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER


Dilnoza Bekmurodova Navruzbekovna
Student of the Presidential School in Karshi, Kashkadarya Region, Uzbekistan
Email address: dilnozabekmurodova89@gramil.com


Abstract
This article discusses the importance of choosing the right career in human life. It focuses on the social, psychological, and personal factors that influence career choice and highlights why this decision is crucial for young people. The article emphasizes the significance of aligning one’s interests and abilities to find a meaningful path, analyzes the consequences of poor career decisions, and explores how the right career choice leads to success and personal fulfillment. In the modern world, career choice has become one of the most decisive factors not only for individual happiness but also for
social and economic development.


Keywords
Career, choice, ability, goal, interest, success, motivation, decision-making, future, artificial intelligence, responsibility, life path, self-development, society, opportunity, independent thinking.


Introduction
One of the most important decisions in a person’s life is choosing a career. Every individual defines their future, social standing, and success through their professional path. Therefore, the right career choice plays a crucial role not only in one’s personal life but also in the development of society as a whole. Today, with the rapid
advancement of technology, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence, the global labor market is changing dramatically. New professions are emerging, while many traditional ones are gradually disappearing. In this context, it is vital for young people to
choose careers that align with both modern demands and their own interests.

Thus, making the right career choice means consciously building one’s future, realizing personal potential, and taking responsibility for one’s own life. A career is not only a means of earning a living but also a way of self-discovery, achieving dreams, and contributing to social progress.


Main Body
Research shows that the number of people dissatisfied with their professions or working in fields that do not match their abilities is increasing worldwide. Statistical data indicates that about 66% of workers have career regrets — mostly due to poor career
choices, lack of motivation, and job dissatisfaction — which often lead to stress, burnout, and decreased productivity. Many people make incorrect career decisions early in life and end up working in areas that do not bring them fulfillment. Therefore, proper career selection has become not only a personal necessity but also a social priority.

Studies also suggest that individuals who choose careers aligned with their interests and strengths are 70% more satisfied with their jobs and demonstrate up to 1.5 times higher productivity. This shows that self-awareness is the key factor in successful career
planning. A person must understand their talents, passions, and values to evaluate which professional path best fits them. For instance, creative individuals often thrive in art, design, or media fields, while analytical thinkers may excel in technology or scientific
research.


Labor market demand also plays a critical role. According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025, the most in-demand professions in the coming years will include artificial intelligence and data analysis experts, software developers, environmental specialists, cybersecurity professionals, and healthcare workers. Meanwhile, automation is leading to the gradual decline of roles such as cashiers, clerical staff, and data entry operators. This transformation highlights the necessity for individuals to adapt, reskill, and continuously develop new competencies to remain competitive.

Gender-based differences also remain a major issue in the global job market. Current data reveals that 72% of men participate in the workforce, compared to only 47% of women. This gap underscores the need to ensure equal opportunities and promote women’s education and professional development. Research shows that when women’s participation in the workforce increases, a country’s GDP and overall economic growth also rise significantly.


To choose the right career, individuals should follow several essential steps. First, self- assessment is necessary to identify personal strengths, values, and areas of interest. Second, one should research current and future labor market trends to understand which
professions offer stability and growth. Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteer work, and mentorship programs is also vital to test one’s abilities in real-world settings. Moreover, consulting career counselors and taking personality or career aptitude tests (such as Holland’s or MBTI) can help make informed decisions.


In today’s world, success depends on continuous learning, flexibility, and adaptability. As new technologies reshape industries, traditional professions are disappearing while new ones emerge. Therefore, individuals must choose careers not only for today but also for the future. When personal interests, social needs, and market demands intersect, a person achieves both material success and emotional fulfillment.


Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right career is one of the most important and responsible decisions in life. A well-chosen profession leads to psychological stability, financial independence, and overall life satisfaction. Conversely, a poor career choice can result
in unemployment, stress, and dissatisfaction. Therefore, career decisions should be made thoughtfully—through self-reflection, experience, and awareness of future opportunities.


In the modern world, the greatest wealth is adaptability and lifelong learning. When individuals find their true path, they not only shape their own destiny but also contribute to the prosperity and progress of society.

Dilnoza Bekmurodova Navroʻzbekovna – 13 years old, born on January 31, 2012. Currently, she is a 7th grade student at the Presidential School in Karshi, Kashkadarya region, Republic of Uzbekistan. Dilnoza is interested in writing poetry, reading books, drawing, and making things. She has been interested in creativity since the age of seven, and has been writing poems and various creative works. Currently, her creative works have been published in several international magazines. One of her biggest dreams for the future is to open her own educational center, travel to many countries, and publish her author’s works. She is very interested in learning languages, and currently knows two more languages.


References

  1. Coursera. (2025). The 10 Most Popular College Majors. Retrieved from https://www.coursera.org/articles/most-popular-college-majors
  2. BestColleges. (2025). The 10 Most Popular College Majors. Retrieved from https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/most-popular-college-majors
  3. World Economic Forum. (2025). Future of Jobs Report 2025: Jobs of the Future and Skills You Need to Get Them. Retrieved from
    https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/future-of-jobs-report-2025
  4. International Labour Organization (ILO). The Gender Gap in Employment: What’s Holding Women Back? Retrieved from https://webapps.ilo.org/infostories/en- gb/stories/employment/barriers-women
  5. OECD. (2025). Retaining Talent at All Ages. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org
  6. UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). (2025). Data for Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from https://uis.unesco.org
  7. Forbes. (2025). 66% of Workers Have Career Regrets—How to Avoid Being One of Them. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com
  8. Harvard Business Review (HBR). (2025). The Key to Choosing the Right Career. Retrieved from https://www.hbr.org
  9. Inc. Magazine. (2025). Why 99 Percent of People Choose the Wrong Career Path. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com
  10. Debra Smouse. (2025). Career Selection Simplified: How to Choose the Right Profession. Retrieved from https://www.debrasmouse.com
  11. Kun.uz. (2025). Trends in Career Choice among Uzbek Youth. Retrieved from https://kun.uz
  12. Jizzakh State University (JDU). (2025). Scientific Analyses on Career Choice.
  13. Bukhara State University (BuxDU). (2025). Modern Approaches to Professional Orientation.

Poetry from Lakshmi Kant Mukul

Middle aged South Asian man with short dark hair, brown eyes, and a white tee shirt.

In Front of the Qutub Minar

In the small days of my childhood,
whenever the bioscope man came,
a flood of children poured through the lanes.
And the moment the magic box opened,
the very first frame revealed
the Qutub Minar.

A slender reed of red and tawny stone, p
iercing the sky,
outstretching the tall areca palms,
conversing with clouds,
colliding with sandstorms and smoke
from half-burnt straw,
it has stood for centuries—
alert as a steadfast sentinel.

Even now it rises before me,
amidst ruins, half-built walls,
and rare architectures,
gathering memories
from the hour of its making
to the pulse of the present,
breathing the earth, the water,
the shifting air of locality.

It has watched Delhi’s endless cycle
of ruin and rebirth—
the swagger, the cruelty,
the dazzling pretence of rulers,
the choking sobs of common folk,
their cries, their restless anguish.
It has seen the chameleon steps
of power-hungry courtiers,
the sly manoeuvres of brokers of the throne.

From the flight of birds
circling its crown,
the Minar has witnessed
how the six hundred thousand villages of India
are slowly squeezed dry
by the ink-blot greed of Lutyens’ Delhi,
how the ever-swelling NCR,
like a many-mouthed demon,
swallows its neighbouring towns and fields,
chewing the green edges of farming villages,
its hunger endless,
its appetite like a rakshasa
grinding everything into its dark maw.

Migration, urban glitter,
the deceitful charms of “modernity”
spin their new web each day,
draining the stored lifeblood of the rural.
Foreign capital twirls like bar dancers,
and our new generation,
bedazzled by neon dreams,
wanders in this dazzle,
half-awake, half-lost.

These are not merely domes,
stones, arches, or stairways.
This monument—this Qutub Minar—
with its tiers, its windows,
its latticed balconies, its carved arches,
is not merely a shelter for pigeons.
In silent tones it tells
of the past, the trembling present,
and the secret spells of what is to come.
Even when epochs are erased,
it stands, unwavering—
like unburnt posts left whole
in a field of scorched harvest.

Lakshmi Kant Mukul is an Indian writer, poet, critic, rural historian and serious scholar of folk culture, born on 08 January 1973 in a rural family in Maira village, District Rohtas, Bihar province, India. His literary journey began in 1993 as a Hindi poet and since then, he has published three books in Hindi and has been published in more than two dozen anthologies and hundreds of journals. Apart from Hindi, he also writes extensively in Urdu and Bhojpuri and also translates them into English himself. His two published poetry collections are- “Lal Chonch Wale Panchhi” and “Ghis Raha Hai Dhan Ka Katora”. His published book on rural and local history is- “Yatrion Ke Najriye Mein Shahabad”. He has received many awards for his work, including Aarambh Samman for his poetry writing in Hindi language, the prestigious Hindi Sevi Samman of Bihar Hindi Sahitya Sammelan. His English poetry has been published in many international anthologies and translated into many languages. The notable achievements of his literary career are – recognition as a farmer poet and expertise on the changes taking place in the rural environment in the global era. Having studied law, he has adopted the modern style of farming. postal address -LAKSHMI KANT MUKUL Village _ Maira, PO _ Saisar, SO _ Dhansoi, Buxar, Bihar [ INDIA] Mob.no._6202077236 Postcode – 802117 Email – kvimukul12111@gmail.com

Poetry from Noah Berlatsky

Someone To Speak For Me

 It is useless knowing a language anymore

when there are computers to know it for you.

I am forgetting the keyboard keys.

I am forgetting my name

and the name of the screen.

I do not need it. I do not need

to know what I do not know.

Query the word for words for my open mouth.

Hello I am leaving hello right

here on the inside of my

and thought I would give you an updated bio:

Noah Berlatsky (he/him) is a freelance writer in Chicago. You can find info on his poetry collections and chapbooks, as well as his writing on politics and culture, at his newsletter: Everything Is Horrible.