A Hero of Our Time

To my mentor Shohida, who has empowered over 50,000 girls through Shine Academy…

What is joy? I ask myself anew—
Is it a victory, or just something true?
If someone asked me to describe delight,
Your face would rise before my sight.

A gentle smile, serene and kind,
Your words, in hearts, are deeply lined.
So pure, so honest—like a child,
You are joy, though so selfless and mild.

To every girl, your love runs deep,
A river of care, in silence it speaks.
To some, you are strength; to others, a dream,
A world of grace with a radiant gleam.

If I may speak the honest truth—
Shohida-sister, with boundless ruth,
Though life may have given you pain to bear,
You give girls joy beyond compare.

One day the world will know your name,
A Shohida who lit hope like flame.
A living example, brave and sincere,
A quiet hero we hold so dear

Rashidova Shaxrizoda Zarshidovna is a young writer from Qorako‘l district, Bukhara, Uzbekistan. She was born on October 31, 2010, and studies at School No. 20. Shaxrizoda is the author of several books, including The Magic of the Pen and Nafas. Her poems and stories have appeared in Ezgulik and Raven Cage magazines. She has won multiple district-level literary contests. Shaxrizoda leads the “Young Writers” Club and coordinates local youth initiatives. She also represents “Wekelet Community” in Uzbekistan. As a mentor, she has helped nearly 100 girls grow creatively. She is a member of the Writers’ Union of Argentina. Her work reflects a strong voice of her generation.