Travel is more than just visiting new places—it is a journey that transforms the traveler. Experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and stepping out of familiar environments challenge our perspectives and expand our understanding of the world. Each trip teaches lessons that go beyond sightseeing: patience, adaptability, empathy, and curiosity are all developed through the simple act of exploring.
Travel encourages self-discovery. Being away from daily routines and comfort zones forces us to confront challenges, make decisions independently, and adapt to unexpected situations. We learn about our strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. Every journey leaves a mark, shaping our personality and influencing the way we think, communicate, and approach problems.
Moreover, travel fosters cultural awareness and empathy. Understanding other ways of life allows us to appreciate diversity and rethink assumptions about our own culture. It reminds us that the world is vast, complex, and full of different experiences, and that our individual perspective is only one among many.
In conclusion, travel is a powerful tool for personal growth. It teaches independence, resilience, and understanding, while broadening our worldview. The lessons gained from traveling are not just memories—they become part of who we are, influencing our thoughts, decisions, and how we relate to the world around us.
My name is Nozimova Shukrona, and I was born on January 31, 2011, in Oltiariq district of the Fergana region. Currently, I am a 9th-grade student at the Fergana branch of the specialized school named after Muhammad al-Khwarizmi.
Despite my young age, I have a strong interest in science and creativity. Since my early school years, I have actively participated in various academic competitions. For example, in grades 5–7, I took part in the Hippo English Olympiad and the Kangaroo Mathematics competition, where I had the opportunity to test and improve my knowledge.
In 8th grade, while studying at Specialized School No. 4 in Oltiariq, I was also a member of the “Zakovat” intellectual team, and together with my team, we achieved 4th place in the district competition. During the same year, I ranked among the top 10 in the district stage of the Al-Khwarizmi Olympiad. I have also taken part in many subject Olympiads and achieved high results.
Currently, I am participating in the provincial stage of the History Olympiad, where I continue to demonstrate my knowledge and abilities. In addition, I am a member of my school’s “Zakovat” intellectual team, and we are competing at the provincial level.
Recently, I achieved a B+ level in the National Certificate exam in Uzbek Language and Literature. I am also interested in sports. When I was younger, I practiced gymnastics and won several competitions.
I actively participate in different initiatives and projects, where I not only show my eagerness to learn but also develop my leadership skills. I have clear goals for the future, and my dreams are high.
A part of growing up in the 1950s and 1960s was the average person’s easy access to things which made us feel good. For a few cents you could enjoy objects and experiences that, with the advent of a perverse capitalistic overreach, became rare and inaccessible. I speak, this time, of coffee, children’s toys and comic books.
COFFEE
For me, Saturday in 1960 is a moment frozen in time. I’m seated next to my father on a faux leather-covered stool at the lunch counter at Reese’s Drug Store in a nameless little town in Illinois. My dad consumes refill after refill of a so-called “bottomless cup” of coffee, available to all comers for ten cents. While dad drank his fill and incinerated a fistful of Old Gold filterless cigarettes, I eagerly consumed a thirty-five cent malted–two and a half glasses full.
What has happened to the venerable cup of joe? In 1960, a pound of coffee cost $.75; adjusted for inflation, that translates to $7.00, an increase by a factor of approximately 10. The price of a cup of Starbucks coffee is presently $3.65, an increase by a factor or more than 35.
And the bastardization of the brew: Starbucks has conjured a monstrosity known as a Super Venti Flat White, which they sold at least once, for some $148.99. What the hell happened to coffee?
TOYS
Time was when a youngster from the poor side of the tracks–like myself–could go to Goodwill or the Salvation Army Thrift Store or to a random neighborhood yard sale and score a coveted toy that only their more prosperous friends could get by conventional means.
Of course, there have always been collectors of rare or unusual items, but sometime in the late 20th century, middleaged men began scooping up GI Joes, Lincoln Logs, Erector Sets, Ponytail Barbies, Easy-Bake Ovens, Spirographs, Hot Wheels, Etch-a-Sketches and the magnificent Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.
There is yet a lot of good play time left in such toys, but these men, who never had and never will have a date, hoard them, put them on a shelf and calculate their appreciated value. They stalk thrift stores, clutching price guide books, shoving little shavers out of their way. There oughta’ be a law!
COMIC BOOKS
When I was a little kid, comic books were fun, they were tradeable and they cost a dime. A nascent collector culture developing at the time priced an Action No. 1 book (the one that introduced the world to Superman) at the unbelievably steep price of $100. I would’ve had to save my meager allowance for two years to accrue such a sum.
The same volume today, according to a well-respected auction house, “can fetch” upwards of $10 million. Now you not only have to be an adult to enjoy this literary nicety, you have to be insufferably wealthy as well. To me, a comic book is forever worth ten cents. And you don’t slide comic books into plastic sleeves.
To inflate its price is to bastardize the institution of “graphic novels” and dump poop on a cherished part of childhood. Nowadays you can’t enjoy the comic book the way it was meant to be enjoyed, by reading it in the bathtub or under the covers with a flashlight; you have to solemnly observe it through a glass screen in an environmentally-controlled chamber, somberly awaiting the day that your comic appreciates from $10 million to $11 million. Yikes!
In today’s highly developed 21st century, the concept of volunteering has also reached a high level. However, there are people who do it sincerely from the heart, as well as those who do it only for personal benefit. So, what should be the real purpose of volunteering?
First of all, volunteering improves the lives of many people and benefits society. For example, by providing social and economic support to poor people and the elderly, we can improve their living conditions, even if only slightly. This proves that volunteering should be done sincerely and wholeheartedly. Moreover, by becoming volunteers, we can contribute to improving the condition of our mother nature. There are many ways to do this, such as protecting nature, caring for animals, cleaning streets and canals, and participating in environmental campaigns. By taking part in such activities, each of us should realize our human responsibility. It is not without reason that in Uzbekistan, state and non-state organizations are encouraged to participate in community clean-up activities every Saturday during certain seasons. The main purpose behind this is to awaken humanity, responsibility, and a sense of involvement in social issues among people.
However, there is another side to the issue. Nowadays, many people, especially young people, participate in volunteering mainly for their CVs. They treat volunteering as something done only for appearance’s sake. To put it more openly, many participate only if they are guaranteed a certificate or some other proof that can strengthen their CV. The reason for this is that prestigious universities, international colleges, and famous companies often ask applicants about their volunteering experience. Unfortunately, some people misunderstand this and simply go to events to take photos without making any real contribution. However, those respected organizations are not looking for empty photos or documents; they are looking for genuine individuals who can truly benefit society in the future.
In addition, some people publicly display every good deed they do by posting it on social media. In such cases, their main purpose is not necessarily their CV, but rather gaining popularity and improving their public image.
As for my own opinion, volunteering itself means “doing work willingly,” and from this we can understand that it should be done voluntarily and sincerely without expecting any benefit in return. Even if we do not expect anything, volunteering still provides many advantages. For example, for young people, it can serve as preparation for real life and provide valuable life experience. Modern forms of volunteering, such as translation or interpreting activities, can help us gain useful professional experience for the future. Moreover, volunteering can develop feelings such as kindness, compassion, friendship, and gratitude. For instance, by caring for sick people, we can learn to care about others and appreciate what we already have.
In conclusion, volunteering should mainly be an activity done sincerely and willingly by a person. It offers many benefits, such as gaining experience and developing gratitude. Of course, volunteering is also useful for a CV — that is true — but we should include only the volunteering activities we genuinely participated in, not photos or evidence taken merely to deceive others.
The Harmony of Humanistic Feelings in the Works of Abay and Navoi Nazarova Hamida Teacher of Native Language and Literature Scientific Supervisor: Eshnazar Jabborov
Although Abay and Navoi lived in different eras, it is not difficult to notice similarities in their lives, creative activities, and moral as well as didactic views. According to historical sources, Alisher Navoi received a very large salary during the reign of Husayn Bayqaro, yet he did not spend this wealth on himself. Instead, he used these funds every day to provide financial assistance to widows, the poor, and needy people.
During his time as a statesman, Navoi issued fair decrees in order to improve the living conditions of the population and financed the construction of bridges, bathhouses, hospitals, and other public service buildings at his own expense. Navoi carried out many charitable deeds for the welfare of the people. In particular, through various instructive stories in his works, he beautifully and clearly explained to rulers and princes that thinking about the interests of the people and governing with justice are the highest duties of a ruler.
Abay Qunanbayuli was also a person ready to do anything for his fellow villagers. When we examine his life path, we can clearly see that, like Navoi, he never withheld either moral or material support from people in need. In Mukhtar Auezov’s novel “The Path of Abay”, we can witness how noble and generous Abay was. At the same time, history records that these two great poets were sometimes viewed with hostility. Even during his lifetime, some of Abay’s close associates treated him unfairly. In “The Path of Abay”, when ordinary people suffered under the burden of heavy taxes, Abay defended innocent poor people and was severely oppressed by local officials for doing so.
Even in such situations, he did not abandon his principles and continued helping those in need. He sincerely struggled for the enlightenment of his people. Through his poems, he called upon the nation to become educated and live in harmony with the spirit of the times.
In the Resolution No. PQ-3598 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated March 13, 2018, it was emphasized that the immortal heritage of great scholars such as Abay Qunanbayuli carries increasingly important significance for our peoples. Considering the great contribution of his literary works, exemplary life, and social activities to the development of culture, proposals were approved to widely study and promote the creative heritage of the great Kazakh poet and thinker Abay Qunanbayuli.
Abay and Navoi considered serving the people to be the greatest happiness in life. Both poets valued honest service to the people, human virtues, justice, and pure love above any rank or position.
Navoi wrote: “Turn away from rank toward ranklessness, Ranklessness is better than any position.”
Abay said: “A great position is like a high cliff. Even a snake may climb it if it crawls tirelessly.”
The fact that one gave up ministership and the other abandoned local authority demonstrates how similar their life principles were. The following excerpt from Mukhtar Auezov’s novel reveals Abay’s courage and nobility:
“They say that a brave man is tested in hardship. Your words lifted my spirits. If danger comes, my companions are ready to sacrifice themselves for me. Why should I fear death? There is no punishment or anger that can truly harm me.”
These lines reveal the hidden aspects of Abay’s personality.
The following words spoken by Suhayl in Navoi’s “Sab’ai Sayyor” also glorify bravery and nobility:
“If you displayed dog-like behavior, I shall show you true manliness.”
Navoi glorified labor and encouraged people to work. In his “Farhod and Shirin”, he wrote:
“What use is preserving my skill, If in the end I carry it into the soil?”
Abay similarly wrote: “If you work tirelessly, Your stomach will be full without begging.”
Navoi glorified the power of words: “The jewel of speech possesses such honor That no shell can compare to it.”
In Abay’s works too, great importance is given to speech and eloquence: “If you speak carefully, everyone will respect you.
Wise elders speak with proverbs.” The feelings of friendship and love are harmoniously reflected in the works of Navoi and Abay.
The lines “Do not be merely your father’s child, be a child of humanity” have become a slogan understood by both Uzbek and Kazakh peoples. These words show that the idea of the perfect human being was an eternal theme for both great thinkers.
All this demonstrates that Abay constantly benefited from the works of great scholars such as Firdawsi, Nizami, Navoi, and Babur, considering them his teachers and showing them great respect.
Although Navoi and Abay belonged to Turkic-speaking nations, the humanism and tolerance reflected in their works prove that such feelings transcend nationality.
References
Mallaev N. History of Uzbek Literature. Tashkent: Teacher Publishing House, 1976.
Auezov M. The Path of Abay. Tashkent, 1957.
Auezov M. Excerpts from Abay, Book 2. Tashkent, 1953.
Alisher Navoi. G’aroyib us-sig’ar. Tashkent, 1988.
Night so long, howling winds vexatious and loud. Night so cold, the earth covered in blackness and only there the odd industrial grade light throwing off some yellow and whitish glow to show the falling snow. Strange dreams. Try and remember them. They fade as anyone knows. Finally, the firmament begins to lighten so faintly and almost indistinctly.
But it’s there. What? The hope for day. The sun at least. Light. Evergreens stoic and robust stay green. This is a gift to the eyes and a gift to earth. Read sacred texts. Delve within. Touch the books with the hands. Hold them tight sometimes. There are still clouds. Time will pass. There are four seasons. One must go through each. That is the way of things. Winter frozen and blue, sometimes seemingly unforgiving.
One day spring will smile through rain and the idea of blooms again. Find us eventually in the summer after, the meadow mystical and those trails and oh the birds loquacious and agile living everywhere. Even that though it was thought it would never end, gives way to autumn and its soul and spirit. See the leaves yellow brown and red fallen and dancing for the winds of those times.
To Risk or Not to Risk? Its Role in Our Lives: Benefits and Drawbacks
Abstract: This article analyzes the concept of risk-taking as an integral part of life, exploring its positive and negative dimensions and its overall impact on human development. Keywords: Risk, life balance, experience, growth, choice.
Life is an invaluable blessing (bebaho ne’mat) bestowed upon us. However, not everyone perceives this gift in the same way. Many imagine life as a smooth and straight path, but the reality is that it never remains linear. It is filled with rugged terrains (o‘nqir-cho‘nqir), unexpected highs and lows, and sudden turns. In these moments, we stand at a crossroads: we can either remain stagnant or take a risk and step forward.
Taking a risk is not merely the absence of fear; it is the act of moving forward despite uncertainty. It plays a fundamental role in our lives because risk-taking can transform us—not just materially, but also spiritually. It leads us to what I call the “worth side” of life. Every risk we take opens a new door. If we never step out of our comfort zone, we will never truly discover who we are or what we are capable of achieving. If we look at the lives of successful individuals, we see that at some point, they were all willing to put everything on the line and take a leap of faith.
Of course, every coin has two sides. Blind or reckless risk-taking can lead a person toward a precipice. Actions taken without a plan or careful calculation result in a loss of not only time but also vital life resources. Therefore, it is essential to distinguish the thin line between brave risk-taking and sheer recklessness.
In conclusion, one should not be afraid of taking risks, but those risks must be “smart” or calculated. Every “up and down” in life provides a lesson. Even if a risk does not yield the expected result, it leaves us stronger, more experienced, and wiser. After all, doing nothing just to avoid losing anything is, in itself, the greatest risk in life. In my opinion, truly living means overcoming fear and taking that bold step toward new opportunities.
Does Money Bring Happiness, or Is Happiness Found in Money? The Balance Between Material Wealth and Spiritual Peace
Abstract: This article analyzes one of the most debated topics in modern society: the relationship between money and happiness. It examines the role of financial resources in improving the quality of life, while also highlighting the vital importance of human relationships in defining true happiness. Keywords: Happiness, money, opportunity, family values, quality of life, balance.
In today’s fast-paced era, money has become one of the most powerful instruments in human life. Society is constantly engaged in debates surrounding the concepts of money and happiness: while some argue that “money buys happiness,” others maintain that “true happiness cannot be measured by wealth.” In my view, while money is not the sole source of joy, it serves as an essential foundation that provides the conditions and opportunities necessary for a fulfilling life.
On one hand, money plays a decisive role in our existence. It is difficult to imagine a comfortable life without material well-being. Primarily, wealth grants us access to quality education, modern medical services, and the ability to travel the world. As noted in my reflections, money makes life more “colorful.” For instance, engaging in a favorite hobby or working on personal development requires a certain level of financial freedom. Money is not just paper; it is a tool that serves us in reaching our highest goals.
However, there are aspects of life that no amount of wealth can purchase. No matter how rich a person may be, it is difficult for them to feel truly happy if they lack sincere friends, a loving family, and inner peace. Psychological studies show that individuals who spend quality time with loved ones—despite having lower incomes—often feel more content than those who are wealthy but lonely. This suggests that the roots of happiness lie not in bank accounts, but in human connections and the richness of our inner world.
In conclusion, money and happiness are not contradictory concepts; rather, they complement each other. While money opens doors to comfort, security, and new opportunities, it cannot entirely fill the human soul. True happiness is the balance between material maturity and spiritual wealth. Therefore, in life, one should not only pursue wealth but also cherish the peace of the heart and the relationships we share with those closest to us
Time: An Unstoppable Force and the Fairest Resource
Why Do Some Succeed While Others Fall Behind?
Abstract: This article analyzes the most limited resource available to humanity: the concept of time. It emphasizes the art of time management, its role in achieving success, and the fundamental reason why time can never be “purchased.” Keywords: Time, opportunity, discipline, future, investment, life balance.
Introduction: The Most Precious Investment
In this world, almost anything can be reacquired—lost wealth can be rebuilt, and material possessions can be replaced—but time is the one exception. Time is the most fairly distributed asset in the universe; whether a monarch or a humble student, everyone is granted the same 24 hours a day. However, how one utilizes these hours determines their future and their place in the world. In my view, to manage your time is, in essence, to manage your life.
“Investing” Time vs. “Spending” It
Most people simply “pass” or “spend” their time. However, those who achieve true success view time as an investment. For example, a single book read today or a new language learned is time invested toward future prosperity. Organizing time effectively—specifically, distinguishing between what is “important” and what is merely “urgent”—not only yields results but also helps smooth out the “rugged terrains” of our life’s journey. The Cost of Procrastination
One of the greatest enemies in human life is procrastination. Every task labeled with “I will do it tomorrow” is, in reality, a lost opportunity. Time flows like water; when we eventually look back, we may find ourselves burdened only by the regret of unfinished business. Therefore, valuing the present moment and spending every second productively leads an individual toward spiritual and professional maturity.
Conclusion: Today Is Your Opportunity
In conclusion, time is the greatest trust bestowed upon us. How we choose to spend it is a direct reflection of our character. Mastering time management provides us not only with success but also creates the necessary space for our families and the hobbies we love. Remember: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift.
Zinnura Yo‘ldoshaliyeva was born on June 17, 2011, in Rishton district, Fergana region. She is currently an 8th-grade student at the Fergana branch of the specialized school named after Muhammad al-Khwarizmi. She actively participates in various educational and intellectual projects. In particular, she has taken part in “Anim Camp,” “Future Founders Online Forum,” “Young Reader,” as well as regional stages of STEM subjects. Her scientific article was published in a collection titled “Feelings on Paper,” while several other articles have been published in the journal “Synchronized Chaos.” In addition, she has participated in many other projects and initiatives, demonstrating her strong scientific interest and leadership skills.
