06 Aug Then…And Now: Assistant Principal Nicky Geis
Coaches Varsity Girls Basketball.
Assistant Principal.
Teaches classes like Leadership SET Style & Finding Your Voice
Can zipline UPSIDE-DOWN.
San Diego County Outstanding Teacher of the Year.
School community service organizer.
Passion Talk speaker.
Is there anything Nicky Geis can’t do?!?
Well, there’s the Laker locker from middle school she can’t get rid of…and eating a PB&J with anything BUT grape jelly is out of the question. But yeah, that’s about it.
We always want to know more about this incredible educator at the School for Entrepreneurship and Technology (SET High), a tuition-free 9th-12th grade high school in San Diego, so we asked her what she was like back in high school…and now.
What career did you want to pursue when you were in high school?
Physical Therapy
Did you have any after-school and/or summer jobs while in high school?
I didn’t work in high school. My mom told me that school and sports were my job.
What school activities were you involved with in high-school?
High School: Varsity Basketball and Softball all 4 years
SET: Varsity Girls Basketball
What music did you love listening to in high school? Now?
High School: 90’s Hip Hop and R&B, same now! 90’s go-to artist: Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes were my pump-up music before basketball and softball games on my walkman.
Did you attend any memorable concerts in high school?
We didn’t have enough money for concerts. My best times were Friday night football games and playing basketball and softball.
What was your go-to after school snack in high school? What about now?
High School: Capri Sun and Gushers
Now: Smoothie and jalapeno chips. My go-to smoothie would be something with strawberries, mango, and pineapple. Something tropical. Extra blended, no chunks in my SMOOTHie.
What did you eat for lunch in high school? What about now?
High School: Sandwich and Kool Aid Squeeze-Its.
Now: Amazing leftovers from my partner’s amazing cooking!
What was your favorite class in high school? What class would you like to take now at SET?
High School: Spanish with Mr. Castro.
Now at SET: Any art class with Ms. Diaz!
How did you get around in high school? How do you get around now?
Walked to school. Got a ride home from a teammate or my mom picked me up.
I didn’t, and still don’t, like to drive.
What do you love about SET- what sets it apart from other schools?
SET feels like home! You can come as you are, and you belong and are loved.
And finally, what is something you wish you knew at age 19?
I was worthy of being loved for exactly who I was.
5(ish) More Fun Facts about Ms. Geis:
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life every day, what would it be?
Vegetable Street Fried Rice from Charminar Restaurant in Mira Mesa.
If you could live in any era, what would it be and why?
1920’s, only for the fashion. Otherwise I love the era I grew up in.
What is the best compliment that you have received?
When a student said they love themself now, after taking my class.
What was the last book/movie/tv show/podcast that you enjoyed?
Book: Dear Black Girls by A’ja Wilson
TV Show: RuPaul’s Drag Race
Podcast: We Can Do Hard Things
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done (besides teaching!)?
Ziplining upside down in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
We’re so happy to have Ms. Geis here at our California Distinguished School and welcome you to join us. You can design your own learning path filled with rigorous academics, truly unique electives, fun clubs, and sports, like Ms. Geis’ basketball team. Enrolling now!
About SET High
SET High offers each student individual attention from multi-talented, highly qualified teachers. Students build a healthy camaraderie with classmates inside an intellectually rigorous environment that brings out their talents and personality, helping them develop their individual character and direction in life. With a wide variety of electives, flexible scheduling, dual enrollment college classes and more — our students regularly exceed their academic and personal expectations. Enroll now.