The Responsibility Behind Recognition

There are moments in life that become turning points. They are not just memories, but milestones that shape a person’s character, confidence, and future goals. For me, March 1, 2025, was one of those unforgettable days.

On that day, during a large meeting with students in the Khorezm region, I was unexpectedly given a question in an intellectual discussion. The atmosphere was serious, and more than a thousand students were present. Despite the excitement and nervousness, I managed to answer the question correctly. That moment changed everything. Shortly after, I was awarded a certificate of appreciation and a laptop by the Governor of Khorezm region, Jo‘rabek Raximov.

However, what made this event truly meaningful was not only the award itself, but the responsibility that came with it.

Recognition is often seen as a reward for past achievements. But in reality, it is also a challenge for the future. When a young person receives public recognition, especially in front of many peers, it becomes a symbol of trust. It sends a message: “We believe in your potential.” That belief creates a new level of responsibility.

For me, the laptop was not just a device. It became a tool for further academic growth. It supported my research activities, helped me write scientific articles, prepare presentations, and participate in academic competitions. More importantly, it reminded me every day that I must continue working hard and justify the trust placed in me.

In many societies, youth are considered the driving force of development. Uzbekistan is no exception. In recent years, special attention has been given to supporting talented and active young people. Meetings between leaders and students are not only formal events; they are platforms of dialogue, motivation, and inspiration. When young people see that their knowledge and initiative are valued, they become more confident and ambitious.

This experience taught me an important lesson: opportunities often come unexpectedly, but preparation must be constant. If I had not spent years reading, participating in intellectual games, and improving myself, I would not have been ready for that spontaneous question. Success in that moment was not accidental; it was the result of continuous effort.

Recognition also changes how a person sees themselves. After that day, I felt a stronger sense of purpose. I understood that every achievement creates expectations. People start to look at you differently. Younger students may see you as an example. Teachers may trust you with more responsibility. Society may expect greater results from you.

At first, this pressure can feel heavy. But over time, I realized that responsibility is not a burden; it is a privilege. Not everyone receives the chance to represent their peers or to be publicly acknowledged for their knowledge. Therefore, instead of fearing expectations, I decided to transform them into motivation.

During the year that followed, I focused even more on self-development. I worked on academic research, participated in university activities, and aimed for higher achievements. Every time I felt tired or doubtful, I remembered that day. It reminded me that one confident answer can open unexpected doors.

Another important aspect of recognition is gratitude. No achievement is entirely individual. Behind every success, there are teachers who guide, parents who support, and friends who encourage. That day was not only my victory; it was a shared success with everyone who believed in me.

Today, one year later, I look back with gratitude and forward with determination. The certificate and the laptop remain symbols, but the real reward was internal growth. I learned to believe in my preparation, to stay calm under pressure, and to accept responsibility with dignity.

Recognition is not the final destination. It is the beginning of a new stage. It raises the standard you must meet in the future. It reminds you that talent alone is not enough — discipline, consistency, and humility are equally important.

For young people everywhere, my message is simple: always be ready. Read more. Learn continuously. Participate actively. You never know when a single moment will test your knowledge and courage. And when that moment comes, your preparation will speak for you.

The responsibility behind recognition is not something to fear. It is something to embrace. Because true success is not measured only by awards, but by how we grow after receiving them.

One year has passed since that memorable day. Yet its impact continues to shape my journey. And I am confident that this is only the beginning.

Xoʻjyozova Dildora, Uzbekistan 

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Books – The Source of Knowledge

It is no secret today that the world can only be conquered through knowledge. The key to acquiring deep knowledge is simple—reading books.

We say, “Books are the source of knowledge.” This is an undeniable truth that requires no proof. A person gains knowledge through books, and their upbringing is shaped by them as well. When we young people read literary works, our worldview expands, our speech develops, and our imagination grows.

Indeed, books are the light of the heart and the wings of thought. In our culture, there are numerous proverbs about achieving great things through reading books.

However, in today’s world, almost no one reads books anymore. Everyone is busy with their phones…

A large portion of books nowadays consists of e-books. However, the unique pleasant smell that books give off cannot be found in electronic versions. Moreover, it is hard to replicate the mysterious rustling of a physical book in its digital counterpart. In my opinion, it is better to print more physical books.

So, tell me, which version of books do you consider to be better?

Bonu Jurayeva was born in 2011 in the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan. She has a keen interest in reading books and performing poetry. Her articles have been published in international journals, and she continues to explore various literary genres and contribute to the world of writing.

How can we make our city a better place to live?

Heavy traffic congestion, air pollution, and littering are some of the most serious problems of modern cities. Our city is no exception. So how can we help make the city a more pleasant place for its residents? What measures should we take to eliminate these problems?

First of all, it would be a good idea to encourage people to use public transport, especially when going to work, instead of their own cars. It would also be appropriate for people to walk to their workplaces, which are short distances, while adhering to a healthy lifestyle and adhering to the useful habits that we are promoting. As a result, the car accidents, traffic violations, and tragic incidents that lead to a person’s death that are happening before our eyes will become a rarity. According to experts’ data from the last year, 2188 people died and 8901 were injured in 9226 traffic accidents in Uzbekistan last year (an annual decrease of less than 1%). According to the WHO, the annual reduction in deaths per 100,000 people is quite significant – from 6.9 in 2021 to 5.7 in 2025 (-17%).

Secondly, one of the most serious obstacles of nature that puts the whole world in a problematic situation is air pollution. The level of deterioration of the ambient air (if we start from our own country) is shown differently in each region and city. Over the past 2 years, to solve this problem, it is Shavkat Mirziyoyev who has been implementing drastic and environmentally friendly measures. Under the chairmanship of our President, on March 29, 2024, it was planned to plant 125 million seedlings within the framework of the “Green Space” project. This project has also been confirmed and is currently showing its effectiveness.

Finally, maintaining environmental cleanliness and raising the population’s environmental awareness are interrelated and important factors in transforming the city into a healthy area. Experts say that improperly managed waste leads to soil, water and air pollution, increasing the risk of various diseases. For example, in areas where a waste sorting and recycling system has been established, the ecological situation has improved significantly. In addition, garbage accumulated in open areas causes the proliferation of harmful microorganisms and insects. Therefore, it is necessary to install sufficient garbage cans on the streets, develop a waste recycling system, and take measures against illegal dumping.

In conclusion, there are many ways to make our city a better place to live. Implementing these measures will clearly provide better conditions for everyone.

Keeping the fires burning: 

A book review of “Letters that Breathe Fire” by Margaret Randall

by J.T. Whitehead

            When confronted with a book that is both very well done, and also very important, it’s difficult to avoid being hyperbolic. Margaret Randall’s book, “Letters that Breathe Fire,” is both of these things. It is an exceptionally well-done anthology of letters from dozens of significant and well-loved poets and writers, pulled from a near-decade of her work with Sergio Mondragon putting together the remarkable bi-lingual literary journal, El Corno Emplumado / The Plumed Horn. The letters from Issues # 1 through # 31, from January, 1962, through April, 1969, are not only wonderful reading, but they are just as significant for their cultural and historical importance. 

            I can appreciate a book of letters by any favorite author or poet; with the letter we see the writer advancing his or her or their thought without any deference to the rules that define a work of art. With pretty much all of the poets in this book, the last accusation that would stand up against them is “pretense.” But it remains the case that with letters, we see more of the person, engaging in a different form of communication that is guaranteed to be authentic. Their poetry follows every poet that ever came before them, regardless of which precedent they choose to respect. But with letters, we get to sit on the barstool next to each poet, and just converse. That by itself is one of things that makes the book such a wonderful book to read.

            I can think of three general or “big picture” reasons for why this is a book that one should buy, and read. The book is a philosophical work. The book is also a cultural artifact, or snapshot; perhaps a photo album full of snapshots would say it better. And as noted the book is just a very good book full of great writing. All three reasons should not only encourage an individual reader. If anyone reading this review has anything to do with the stock of any library, especially one connected with any campus, the book belongs on your shelves for these reasons.

            The book is of great interest to anyone interested in political philosophy. Do not misread me. I’m not saying it is a work of political philosophy. I’m saying that it is an “act” of political philosophy. The family of thought it exemplifies dates back to long before, yet represents, the “Theses on Feuerbach,” which state that the philosophers have understood the world so far, but that the point is to change it. The book is itself an endeavor in that direction.

But the tradition of thought to which this book belongs is a tradition that pre-dates the works of Marx, a fact no right winger understands. It dates back to the “Book of Acts.” This gives us some idea of how long the struggle for social justice has been happening. And along the way, some have realized that ideas can change reality, that the interaction between ideas and material reality is not a one-way, deterministic street in which material stuff determines what we think – that history is not simply following material or economic leads, but that it can be inspired by something less physical, like words. The book opens with a great quote that grasps this: Jose Pepe Mujica laments a generational error that was once believed: that social change was only a matter of changing material reality, when in fact culture occupies an immense role, and that the struggle for justice can be waged on the cultural level as well. The error he corrects began in the 1800’s with Engels. We’ve grown. Ideas matter, and can make a difference. As the German philosopher Jurgen Habermas taught, communication is a form of action. This book is a “work” of political philosophy, not in the sense that John Locke’s Treatises are such works, or Hobbes’ Leviathan. I mean: this book “does” good work, and proves Habermas’s thesis.

            Margaret Randall’s book is also the best “archive” in the history of culture and ideas that I have encountered in decades. I will admit some bias, but I think the bias is a good one. While clerking for a bookshop I reached the point at which I imagined a Venn diagram of poets, and found it to be complex, when looking to specific publishers that date from approximately the 50’s, if not sooner, until the 70’s if not later. I would check the spine for publishers and I gravitated towards works published by Ferlinghetti at City Lights, Barney Rosset at Grove, James Laughlin at New Directions, or John Martin at Black Sparrow. They overlapped when it came to the poets. What attracted me was the manner in which they blew open the entire field. Those houses gave me a chance to read Kenneth Patchen, or Allen Ginsberg. The Beats happened, and the mimeograph era was likely also in full swing, (but for that one may have to locate a hard-to-find book by Christopher Harter). In any case, born in 1965, I could only observe, as if in a documentary, what appears to have happened: 

Poetry became, suddenly, more . . . democratic. 

Margaret Randall’s excellent compilation, “Letters that Breathe Fire,” are letters from those poets to one another. It is the best sample of what was happening when poetry became more democratic. It became more democratic because of the work she and Sergio Mondragon were doing with The Plumed Horn.

The book is also wonderful as a piece of cultural history. The Horn, placed these letters from the poets and contributors on special, colored pages. This was effectively a bulletin board for writers and thinkers to communicate with the readers, and with one another. This was before Facebook, before Instagram, before blogs, before computers. This was a public forum, made possible by Randall and Mondragon. We are reminded again of Habermas’s premise that communication is a communal act. And all this predated the computer age. 

            What makes this book such a better read than letter collections by one poet is the sheer number of poets we get to hear from. I’ve read Creeley’s, or Pound’s, or Bukowski’s letters, appreciating the poet if not their politics (Pound), but not at once cover to cover, without interruption. I couldn’t. It was too much Creeley, Pound, or Bukowski. This was not so with “Letters that Breathe Fire.” This book is anything but monotonous. Diverse in voice, the book includes, by my rough count, at least 100 poets. Some poets, given the mission of the literary journal, appear as expected. Ernesto Cardenal is the most obvious example. But even the metaphysical and leaping poet Robert Bly makes an appearance. The poets are as diverse as the following partial list would indicate (in order of the table of contents): Robert Kelly; Clayton Eshleman; Jackson Mac Low; Ernesto Cardenal; Ted Enslin; Diane Wakoski; Gary Snyder; Thomas Merton; Lawrence Ferlinghetti; Tom Raworth; Charles Bukowski; Robert Bly; Denise Levertov; Cid Corman. And more.

            My limited list does not intentionally omit the Central or South Americans: I listed poets whose works I have read, and this book, “Letters that Breathe Fire,” has helped me understand my deficiency. Because of Randall’s book I now have a new list of poets to explore, all from south of the border. I chose the poets for the above list simply because of my familiarity with them, because I knew that they were could be as unlike one another as, say, T.S. Eliot is from Wanda Coleman. Listing them, I knew I was making the point about their different voices. Randall’s book is a treasure trove for any poet who wishes to be introduced to new voices, for just this reason. I’ve read Americans who live south of Texas, and more than Neruda or Borges. But now my list has grown, thanks to this book. If the above list is short it is due to a lack of exposure, on my part, and not bias.

With each new poet’s letter, I discovered a new gift, different from the previous. I’m reminded of an advent calendar or a childhood treasure hunt, in which each new opening or each new advance reveals some new treasure. This is why this collection of letters is so much more enjoyable, for poets and other readers, than any other letter collection limited to one poet. One would expect their letters to display the differences. They do. More importantly, for the reader, is reading how much they shared of their humanity. Their diversity, as poets goes, is only one reason for why they best represent humanity. But they are on humanity’s side. These poets are with us, not against us. It’s that human, that basic. 

This is an important book. It is itself an act of resistance, an act despite being “words.” It is communicative action. It captures our literary and cultural history. It is also, simply, wonderful reading, and not just for poets, and not just for philosophy students, but for all of us. The poets in this anthology wrote great poetry. Do not be surprised at how great they are at writing letters, to one another, and to us.

Letters That Breathe Fire can be ordered from NYU Press.

Thirst


A frisson while the night passes
A maw to be filled with bloated stars

The frugalness of neon haunts your suffering
The moon frightens a stranger’s trees

Am I a ghost hiding in plain sight?
Am I a night tremor where the longboats pass?

& If I tremble, it’s only for my love of gillyflowers
That sing, in the wicked breeze of my thirst

Where I am lost, like a cataloguer in a storage room
Of pent-up desires. O cool fountains, interiority—

When do I go to sleep? & In what din
Of a grinning force, how far away is night?


Sometimes it rains here, in the penitentiary of my age
& I am baffled by goslings who have no care for frivolity

Then winter really rubs off on children’s red jackets
& I muffle my knees like a mud cowhand & stutter

In the brackish, sheet metal music of days’ slow death
Shimmering under a wreath of seas

The Man in the House

In an age
when old letters bent into sharper shapes,
when hoods were traded
for flags,
he triumphed.

Chaos became custom.
Anti-rule. Anti-order.
“Burn it down,” they murmured.
“Surely he can do no worse
than the fools before him.”

“Less government,”
the crowd reasoned
as the State
moved quietly into bedrooms.

“Lower taxes.”
Yes, for those already gilded.

Then came the Plague.
“It will thin the herd,” some said.
“The frail are costly.”
As if breath were a ledger.
As if mercy were excess.

“Better health care,”
they shouted from the rafters.
Better how?
By subtraction?
By the swing of an unseen ax?
By absence dressed as reform?

“I am your greatest ally,” he boasted.
Yet histories dimmed on the walls.
Names faded from plaques.
Portraits vanished from the gallery.

“I will protect you,” he proclaimed.
And gates rose higher.
And cages appeared
where cradles had been.
And sirens shrieked through the night
of our cities.

“I have ended wars,” he declared.
Yet embers glowed
beyond the fence line.
Carnage in fits and starts.

So many trespasses.
No one looks up.
No one wants to.

“Give him a prize,” someone whispered.
For vision. For victory. For greatness.

The house still stands.
The banner still flies.

But listen closely and you will hear
the beams strain.
The foundation shifts
inch by inch.

Is this the dwelling
you meant to inherit?

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