The Great Ocean
“Among all buildings, the greatest is the school; among all professions, the most honorable is teaching and mentorship,” they say. Indeed, while our fathers bring us into this world, and our mothers strive to ensure our happiness, it is our teachers who give us the reason to live. Just as a singer does not need others’ words, true teachers have their own unique path — they do not follow the footsteps of others. They remain loyal to their words, thoughts, and personal teaching style.
When we speak of the kind-hearted teacher and brilliant mathematician Shodmonova Hilola, a deep sense of pride and admiration fills the hearts of all who know her. She is noble, gracious, patient, wise, and immensely knowledgeable. Her absence in gatherings is always felt. Hilola’s youth coincided with the early years of Uzbekistan’s independence. She was born on November 17, 1988, in a scholarly family in the village of Astarbob, Sobidehqon community, Vobkent district, Bukhara region.
From a young age, she showed a love for books, literature, and knowledge. Her parents, Nurulloev Shomurod and Istamova Qumriya, supported her from the beginning. Hilola graduated from school with a gold medal and was admitted to Navoi State Pedagogical Institute in 2006 on a government scholarship. It was there that the renowned mathematician Muxtorova Shodiya personally mentored her, teaching her all the core courses and helping shape her into a capable and impactful student. Hilola also learned from other respected teachers such as Sultonova, Qurbonova, Idrisova, Nurulloev, and Rasulova.
Through these lessons, she came to understand an essential truth: “When a teacher recognizes the potential and talent in a student, it brings them joy — and they do everything in their power to guide that student toward success.”
Fate led her to School No. 18 in Vobkent District, Bukhara Region, where she taught with passion for a year and a half. Later, she moved to School No. 8 in Vobkent, where she has now been working for 14 years. Despite being a mathematics teacher, Hilola has a deep love for literature. She enjoys reading works by authors like Daniel Defoe, Ahmad Lutfi Qozonchi, Robert Kiyosaki, Fotih Duman, and many others. She even has a personal library of over 100 books, including international bestsellers.
Hilola lives by the wisdom passed down from her parents and grandparents. Her family inspires her to be dedicated, honest, and kind-hearted. With these priceless qualities, she has won the hearts of her students. Thousands of students admire her and dream of becoming like her. On February 25, 2023, she traveled to Tashkent and proudly received an international certificate in mathematics, once again proving her excellence.
Her ambitions for the future are vast. She is constantly striving to improve — currently working to teach math in English, and learning both English and Arabic with great dedication. Based on her experiences, Hilola encourages young people to make the best use of their time. She says:
“Dear friends, time is the key to life. Plan everything carefully, and learn to manage your time well. With proper time management, you can achieve great success.”
As our ancestors used to say: “If you waste your time, you waste your wealth.”
A person who values time will never be left behind.
We wish our dear teacher continued success in her future endeavors and achievements.
Author: Historian and Geographer Sobirjonova Rayhona
Sobirjonova Rayhona is a 10th-grade student at School No. 8 in Vobkent District, Bukhara Region. She was born in December 2008 in the village of Chorikalon, Vobkent District, into an educated family. Her parents have supported Rayhona from a young age. Since childhood, she has shown a strong interest in creativity, literature, and history. Rayhona began writing in the 3rd grade, and her first poem was published in the Vobkent Hayoti newspaper.
Since then, her literary works have appeared in numerous journals and newspapers, including the American newspaper Synchaos, India’s Namaste India journal, Uzbekistan’s Gulxan magazine, Germany’s RavenCage journal, and many others. She has actively participated in various competitions, earning top places and receiving many awards.
Rayhona continues to develop her creativity and remains passionately engaged in her literary pursuits!