You think you know the staff at New Millennium Secondary School (NMSS) a tuition-free 9th-12th grade high school in Gardena, especially our principal Samantha Navarro as we’ve highlighted her here and here. And then what happens? For our series, “Then & Now”, we asked NMSS staff what they were like in high school and Navarro shared that she worked at Disneyland. Complete with this incredible costume. What next, Nar Nar? We find out you get up at 4am to run? (Of course she does).
What do you LOVE about NMSS- what sets it apart from other schools?
I have been at New Millennium for 15 years and I can absolutely without a doubt say we are a family. All teachers are here for the students even if they aren’t on the teacher’s roster. I love that I have the honor of knowing all the students and they can come see me whenever they would like…mainly because I don’t have an office door haha.
What career did you want to pursue when you were in high school?
High school teacher or a professional tennis player.
Did you have any after-school and/or summer jobs while in high school?
I worked at Disneyland. I worked the rides in Toontown and wore a lovely blue red and yellow polyester cast member uniform. I just remember that as soon as you entered Toontown it smelled like a mixture of dirty diapers, sweat, and popcorn. I drove the Jolly Trolley numerous times and never hit a guest while driving it so those are winning moments.
What activities were you involved with in high-school? Are you involved in any NMSS activities?
I played tennis and basketball in high school And I was actually Principal for the Day twice in high school. I guess I was gearing up for future plans! I took that job very seriously even then.
What music did you love listening to in high school? Now?
I loved Emo Country in high school and now I love Emo Rap now. It’s the majority of my running playlist. Not sure how great that is for motivation…
What was your go-to after school snack in high school?
My friends and I always went to Taco Bell when we didn’t have to be at practice right after school.
What did you eat for lunch in high school? What about now?
Typical lunch in high school…sandwich, chips, and a drink or going off campus my senior year. Now….don’t really get a lunch! Maybe a Hot Pocket!!!
What was your favorite class in high school? What would you want to take now?
I loved my English classes and being a teacher’s assistant. Now I think I would love to take math. I hated it in high school but might think differently about it now.
How did you get around in high school?
My parents would drop me off. My mom dropped me off in the morning and then my dad would pick me up. My dad would embarrass me sometimes when picking me up. He would roll up blasting music and then when I would reach for the door handle he would pull forward. My friends would laugh. I would be embarrassed. I do love my parents. They dropped me off and picked me up for many years. Senior year I drove myself! It was a fun freedom until I got my first speeding ticket!
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
It was my tennis coach. She inspired me, motivated me, and shaped the athlete mindset I still have today.
What is something you wish you knew at age 19?
Let stuff go…it’s not that deep.
What’s a cause that’s dear to you?
Doing cancer fundraising runs in honor of our teacher Chase Curry who passed away from brain cancer in 2019.
What did you want to be when you were 5?
Veterinarian.
What is the best compliment that you have received?
“I can tell that you love your job.”
We know Principal Navarro loves her job but not as much as we love having her here to guide our Warrior Way. Whether she’s scheming how to win at our Turkey Bowl or sending out motivational reminders online, she’s always going the distance for NMSS!
Come see what having a great leader is all about- NMSS serves 9th-12th grades and it’s not too late to enroll. Call us at 310-999-6162 and talk to one of our friendly staff, or fill out an application and join our Warrior team!
About NMSS
The New Millennium Secondary School (NMSS) is a charter high school in Gardena, CA committed to preparing students to become life-long learners and dynamic leaders in the competitive 21st century. NMSS was created to address the rising global competitive environment for talent. Our students enjoy a small school education with big school sports and accredited community college classes. Enroll your student today.
