First Place in the “World of 8 Billions” Video Contest
Some achievements are measured not only by the prize, but by the teamwork, creativity, and shared vision behind them.
In the “World of 8 Billions” video contest, our team created a video titled “Brighter Future for Every Child”, focusing on child well-being. More than 4,600 students participated in this annual contest, organized by Population Connection’s Population Education program and judged by a panel of educators, filmmakers, and sustainability experts. The winners were recognized for compelling messages and creative approaches, proposing innovative solutions such as solar-powered composting toilets, farm-to-family partnerships, agroforestry, and reimagining public transit.
Our team of three worked together seamlessly:
Yulduz Juliboyeva, the screenwriter and producer, crafted the story with precision and creativity. Passionate about historical fantasy fiction, she dreams of one day becoming someone’s favorite writer. Alongside her studies in biology and chemistry, she also enjoys volleyball and chess.
Ruxshona Isakova, the speaker and actress, delivered the message with clarity and emotion. A talented musician and singer who enjoys dancing and animation, she studies physics and computer science. “We are all passionate about child well-being, which we discuss in our school lessons,” she says. “We wanted to bring a global perspective to the issue and to the solutions.”
I served as the media manager, responsible for filming, editing, and visual storytelling. Beyond this project, I am a graphic designer, photographer, media editor, and musician. I play multiple instruments, have a broad creative portfolio, and am also an accomplished taekwondo practition er.
The process was as rewarding as the result. From brainstorming ideas to recording, editing, and refining every scene, we learned the value of collaboration, patience, and attention to detail. One of the highlights was helping Ruxshona perfect her accent and delivery, ensuring the message was both clear and engaging. Every challenge became an opportunity to improve, and every small success made the project more enjoyable.
Competing against thousands of other students and groups, our teamwork paid off. We were honored to receive first place, earning a prize of $600 for our high school category. Beyond the recognition and prize, the experience was an opportunity to combine our strengths, bring a global issue to light, and demonstrate that creativity and dedication can make an impact.
This project reminded us that meaningful results come from teamwork, creativity, and dedication. Each of us hopes that this achievement will help us as we pursue our dreams of studying at Ivy League schools and continue to make meaningful contributions in the future. Together, we created something we are proud of—and something that can inspire others.