Her muscles tightened as she struck her foot in the air, releasing a “Kihap Yell” in front of her students. Although this took place in a different type of classroom, Ms. Zhuravlev applies the same methods to her Financial Literacy and Algebra 1 classes. “Get them prepared.”

From a Taekwondo instructor at Yongin Taekwondo to an interim substitute for AICE business, Ms. Zhuravlev has lived a thousand lives and is eager to bring her experience to the classroom. 

As an Indonesian-Chinese American who immigrated from Canada and studied in Malaysia, Ms. Zhuravlev has experienced culture all over the world and is more than excited to add the city of Pembroke Pines to her adventures as well. “I speak 5 languages!” she said. “We move around a lot—that’s how I got my English. It’s kind of a different language here—I wish I learned Spanish.”

Ms. Zhuravlev highly values her culture and embraces her extracurricular activities with her kids. Every week, she assists at Yongin Taekwondo, a school for traditional martial arts. “I went back home to Indonesia, where they also practice Taekwondo. I also see my distant relatives in Hong Kong, who send their kids to Taekwondo—we learn the same thing!” she said. “So it doesn’t matter where you are, Taekwondo is Taekwondo.”

Not only is Taekwondo a universal subject to teach, but so is financial literacy. Ms. Zhuravlev is a teacher who shares her real-life experiences with her students so that they can be prepared for life. She’s also a long-time real estate agent who shares her perspective on the economy and how things work. As a financial literacy teacher, she teaches topics from employment to buying a house and paying taxes.

But most importantly, Ms. Zhuravlev prioritizes her students. “I love the kids. In just two weeks, I know my class,” she said. “I know how they progress: what they know, which kids are struggling, and which need more attention. It’s my job.” 

Her most important lesson, however, is not limited to doing good on tests and assignments. Ms. Zhuravlev wants to send her students off into adulthood with one thing in mind:     

“Get them prepared–for life and for the classroom. They’ll need it.”