Ms. Mullodzhanov came to America at a young age, took her studies seriously, and found that one of the subjects she was best at was math. Now she’s a math essentials teacher here at St. Joseph High School.

Ms. Mullodzhanov went to Queens College and has one degree in piano performance and another in math education. She minored in business in college and was in an honors program. Ms. Mullodzhanov is from Tajikistan, a former colony of Russia. She speaks Russian and Farsi and also took Italian in high school.

In 1994, Ms. Mullodzhanov came to America. She escaped from the civil war with her whole family and held a refugee status. When she came to America she couldn’t speak English. "Students at my school made fun of me because of the way I dressed and spoke," said Ms. Mullodzhanov.

She became a math teacher because she had a special skill in it. She loved teaching it and was able to break things down for students. Ms. Mullodzhanov is also a math tutor and a piano teacher. One of the ways she helps students is by not rushing and taking as much time as students need to understand a concept.

Three freshmen commented about Ms. Mullodzhanov, their math essentials teacher. "She helps people a lot," said Tiara Simons. Added Magnolia Cagle, "She’s a good teacher." Michellé Anderson called her "multitalented."

Ms. Mullodzhanov said that when it comes to math, she believes anyone can be good at it if they apply themselves over a long period of time. Ms. Mullodzhanov’s office is located on the 4th floor right next to Ms. Barbato’s class so you can always stop by and ask her to solve those math problems. Think fast: what’s √-1?