Essay from Dilnoza Rakhimova

Young Central Asian woman standing at a wooden lectern in a gray coat with long dark hair and a computer screen behind her.

Finding Myself: A Journey of Perseverance and Hope

Life rarely unfolds the way we expect. Sometimes, the dreams we once thought were within reach drift away, only to return stronger when we decide not to give up. My story is not about perfection — it is about persistence, patience, and believing that even the smallest step forward can lead to a brighter tomorrow.

Over the past year, I have discovered that growth begins when comfort ends. I used to be shy and uncertain, but through learning English, I found not just a language — I found a voice. A voice that allowed me to express my dreams, to share my ideas, and to connect with the world. Alongside my studies, I have learned the value of patience and the quiet power of consistency. Life has taught me that even slow progress is progress, and that self-belief is the foundation of all success.

My current goal is to achieve the Navoiy State Scholarship — a symbol of hard work, knowledge, and national pride. To reach it, I actively participate in international conferences, translate short stories, and publish articles about self-development. Each article I write is not just an academic task, but a reflection of my journey — my struggles, my small victories, and my endless curiosity. Every translation I do opens a new window to another world, teaching me empathy, culture, and the beauty of words.

Yet, this journey has not been easy. In 2023, when I entered university on a contract basis, I felt broken. My family could not afford my tuition, and for a moment, my dreams seemed too far away. But I refused to give in to despair. Instead, I took a step forward — I started teaching English at an education center. That decision changed everything. In 2024, I began teaching at another institution, improving my skills, gaining experience, and learning that every hardship hides an opportunity.

Those early days were not simple. I remember preparing lessons late at night, studying in between classes, and pushing myself to do more each day. There were times when exhaustion whispered that I should stop, but hope kept me moving. And in time, I achieved something I once thought impossible — financial independence. I learned that even when life closes doors, persistence can build new ones.

Today, I look back not with regret, but with gratitude. I am endlessly thankful to my family — especially my parents — who have been my greatest supporters. When the world doubted me, they didn’t. Their love became my strength, their belief became my wings. I am also grateful to every obstacle that once made me cry — because each one shaped me into who I am today.

Now, as a third-year university student, I am more focused than ever. My dream extends beyond personal success. I want to launch educational projects that inspire young people to love books, to seek knowledge, and to believe in their own potential. I want to show them that learning is not a burden, but a path to freedom.

After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master’s degree and continue researching, writing, and teaching. But above all, I want to remain curious — to keep learning, growing, and evolving. Because to me, life’s true success is not about reaching the top, but about becoming the best version of oneself through honesty, effort, and compassion.

Dreams are not meant for those who wait — they belong to those who believe, work, and never stop learning. And I have promised myself: I will never stop.

Essay from Solijonova Dildorakhon

Shortcomings of Service Quality in Uzbekistan’s Tourism Sector

Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Master’s Degree, 2nd Year, Solijonova Dildorakhon Shakhobiddin girl

Young Central Asian woman in a blue jacket and headscarf and black pants and sandals seated on a green lawn near a tree outside a large building.

Introduction

In today’s era of globalization, the tourism sector plays a vital role in the economic and cultural life of countries around the world. Uzbekistan, being one of the countries with great potential in this sphere, has identified tourism development as one of its priority directions. The government has adopted a number of laws and decrees to create favorable conditions for tourists. However, a number of shortcomings related to the quality of services still hinder the full realization of the country’s tourism potential.

Main Part

1. Lack of qualified service personnel In many tourist zones of Uzbekistan, service providers — including guides, hotel, and restaurant staff — are not sufficiently trained to meet modern standards. In particular, the lack of foreign language knowledge and poor service ethics leave a negative impression on tourists. Consequently, this reduces the desire of foreign visitors to return to the country.

2. Underdeveloped infrastructure Tourism infrastructure includes hotels, transportation, communication systems, the internet, and banking services. Unfortunately, in some regions of Uzbekistan — especially in remote areas — this infrastructure is not yet fully developed. Poor road conditions and the absence of clear signposts cause inconvenience for tourists traveling to these destinations.

3. Weak service culture One of the most important aspects of tourism is service culture. Proper communication, polite behavior, discipline, and hygiene are among the main factors determining service quality. Unfortunately, in some places, this culture has not been properly formed or remains at a low level.

4. Imbalance between price and quality In many tourist services, prices are relatively high while quality remains low. This is especially evident in hotels and catering establishments, where there is a noticeable mismatch between cost and quality. Such a situation causes dissatisfaction among tourists and reduces competitiveness.

5. Limited use of digitalization and modern technologies In today’s digital age, tourism services must also be provided through internet and mobile technologies. However, many services are still offered in traditional ways. Online booking, virtual guiding, and electronic payment systems have not been fully introduced in most areas, which prevents meeting the needs of modern travelers.

Conclusion

Service quality is a key factor in ensuring the long-term success of Uzbekistan’s tourism sector. If the problems mentioned above are systematically addressed, the number of tourists will increase, and the country’s economy will significantly strengthen.

To achieve this, it is essential to implement the following measures: Improve the system of training and preparing service personnel; Modernize tourism infrastructure; Introduce digital services and technologies; Raise awareness of service culture among the local population.

Solutions and Required Skills for Improving Service

Quality

1. Enhancing staff qualification Solutions: Introduce practice-oriented programs in tourism colleges and universities; Organize foreign language courses (English, Russian, Chinese);Conduct training sessions on service ethics. Skills required: Knowledge of foreign languages; Communication skills; Hospitality and patience.2. Improving service culture

Solutions

Develop certified courses on “Service Culture” for tourism employees; Conduct trainings on customer communication and conflict-free service. Skills required: Courtesy and politeness; Effective communication; Problem-solving ability. Developing infrastructure

Solutions

Renovate roads, transport, toilets, and information centers in tourist areas; Provide access to Wi-Fi, ATMs, and terminals. Managerial skills required: Planning and project management; Collaboration with local authorities and the private sector. Implementing digital technologies

Solutions

Offer services via online booking, digital payments, and mobile applications; Create virtual guides and digital tourist maps. Skills required: Digital literacy; IT proficiency; Content creation (photo/video, blogs, mobile apps).

Ensuring price–quality balance

Solutions

Introduce transparent pricing and rating systems for service providers; Strengthen standardization and certification procedures. Skills required: Pricing and service planning

Quality control Engaging the local population Solutions: Encourage local participation in agro-tourism, eco-tourism, and homestay projects; Promote local culture and traditions as tourism products. Skills required: Cooperation and teamwork; Product development and promotion.

Final Conclusion

By implementing the above-mentioned solutions and skills in practice, it is possible to significantly improve the level of service quality in Uzbekistan’s tourism sector. This will not only enhance tourist satisfaction but also ensure sustainable economic growth through tourism.

References

1. Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Additional Measures for the Rapid Development of the Tourism Sector in the Republic of Uzbekistan” (PQ–4095, January 5, 2019).2. Official website of the State Committee for Tourism Development of Uzbekistan – https://uzbektourism.uz3.

Khodjayev, N. (2020). Issues of Developing Tourism Infrastructure in Uzbekistan. Journal of Economics and Innovative Technologies, No. 2.4. Karimova, S. (2021). The Role of Personnel Potential in Improving the Quality of Tourism Services. Tourism and Cultural Heritage Journal, No. 4.5. Turaev, B., & Jurayev, M. (2022). Use of Digital Technologies in Uzbekistan’s Tourism Services. Journal of Innovative Economy and Information Technologies, No. 3.6. WTO (World Tourism Organization). (2020). International Tourism Highlights. UNWTO Publications.7. Rustamov, D. (2019). Ways to Improve Service Quality. Socio-Economic Research Journal, No. 1.

Poetry from Christina Chin


the last quarter moon—

silhouette of a hunter 

shooting a wild boar

a crescent moon 

carves a scoop in the darkness 

the stork’s cry echoes 

night without the moon— 

the lighthouse keeper watches migrating kestrel 

hydrangea sunrise— 

the drowning bee’s wing 

hums in the bird fountain

my adenium root 

rots after the monsoon rain

gardener’s regret

approaching typhoon 

sweeps the path of growling wind

yellow broom blossoms

Poetry from Luis Fernando Quiroz

Middle aged Latino man in a green collared shirt with short dark hair outside on a green lawn with green trees in the background.

THE WITCH WAS CAUGHT BY DAYLIGHT

The light caught her. 

Something erased the spell, 

and a mystery remained scattered in the early morning. 

I saw her pass swiftly,

her broom in a hurry through the mist and the shacks. 

She wanted to break the spell of the night, 

But the oracle dispelled the curse. 

She did not return. 

Perhaps she remained imprisoned in the fog of oblivion. 

Originally from Envigado, he studied at the José Miguel de la Calle School, Benedictine School, MUA, and Francisco Restrepo Molina School. He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Universidad Autónoma Latinoamericana. He is a journalist with professional license No. 2992, issued in 2016, under Law 51 of 1975. He is an active member of the Cultural Sector Committee, the cultural council of the municipality of Envigado.

He is also a member of the Portón Cultural Corporation of the municipality of Envigado. PUBLISHED WORKS History of a Poet, published in Tuxtepec, Mexico, 2017. His first poetry collection, selected and under review for publication, is titled POEMAS A LA INTEMPERIE (Poems in the Open Air). He has also appeared in more than 15 national and international physical and digital poetry anthologies.

Urgent Readings of Poetry Anthologies III, IV, V, VI (National) Urgent Readings of Poetry International Anthology. 1st International Poetry Meeting: Let’s Sow Art (Homage to Women) Poetic Splendors: 1st Anthology of Colombian and Latin American Poets and Writers. Nemesis Network of Art and Poetry. Latin American Poetic Voices: Nemesis Network of Art and Poetry. Voices of the Soul: Nemesis Network of Art and Poetry. Whispers of the Wind: 2nd Anthology of Colombian and Latin American Poets and Writers: Nemesis Network of Art and Poetry. Aromas of Dreams: 2nd Anthology of Colombian and Latin American Poets and Writers: Nemesis Network of Art and Poetry. Manguruma: 2nd Poetic Anthology. Manguruma: 3rd Poetic Anthology.

Poetry from Adrina Esparas-Hope 

Knocking Against The Ribs

What is a heart?

Is it just the sign of being exhausted 

Does it feel like you’re falling apart

Or is it in the middle of being frosted?

If I cut open your chest, would I see it?

Or would I have to climb my way in

To find nothing but a darkened pit

Because perhaps, it would be lost within.

Does your heart knock against you quietly?

Or perhaps, it just fell into the litter

Does it feel like you’re screaming silently?

When it happens to get bitter.

Now, if I were to search and find your heart

Would it be intact, or would it have fallen all apart?

Essay from Nazirova Madinakhon

PROTECTING PERSONAL DATA IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Image of a person's hand holding a cell phone, with a variety of icons surrounding it. Blue, white, and black color scheme.

Abstract:

This article analyzes the problems and challenges of personal data protection in the digital era. It highlights the importance of privacy, cybersecurity, and legal mechanisms for ensuring data safety in a rapidly developing technological world.

Keywords: personal data, digital security, privacy, cybersecurity, information law, technology.

Introduction

In today’s digital world, personal data has become one of the most valuable resources. Every online action—social media usage, online shopping, or digital communication—leaves a digital footprint. Protecting this data is one of the key challenges of the 21st century, requiring legal, technological, and ethical solutions.

Main Part

1. The importance of data protection

Personal data includes information that identifies an individual, such as name, address, ID number, or online behavior. When such data is misused, it may lead to fraud, identity theft, or violation of privacy rights. Therefore, protecting personal information is crucial for ensuring human dignity and freedom.

2. Legal frameworks and international standards

Many countries have introduced laws to protect personal data, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. These laws aim to give individuals more control over their information and hold organizations accountable for its misuse.

3. The role of education and digital literacy

Raising public awareness about data protection is as important as legislation. Citizens, especially youth, must be educated on how to safeguard their digital identity, use secure passwords, and recognize online threats.

Conclusion

To conclude, personal data protection in the digital age is not only a legal issue but also a matter of personal responsibility. Combining legal measures, advanced technology, and digital literacy is the key to building a secure and privacy-respecting information society.

Nazirova Madinakhon Rasuljon qizi was born on September 5, 2008, in Furqat district, Fergana region. She studied at School No. 2, specializing in certain subjects, and is currently a second-year student at the Namangan Regional Academic Lyceum under the Tashkent State University of Law (TSUL).

Since childhood, Madina has stood out among her peers for her creative ideas and deep thinking. She holds a certificate in the Turkish language and has actively participated in subject Olympiads, achieving honorable results in the field of State and Law Fundamentals.

Madina’s goal is to become a highly qualified lawyer and contribute to the development of legal awareness and legal culture in society through the valuable knowledge and experience she acquires.