Karen Johnson
In May 2000, after more than 20 years of service, Karen Johnson was laid off due to organizational changes and workforce adjustments. She knew she must update her knowledge and skills to be competitive in the ever-changing information technology world. Thus, she enrolled at Richland College .
In August 2000, she was officially accepted and enrolled in Richland 's Cisco Systems Networking Academy Program. At the same time, she entered an Information Technology Specialist Program offered through the Richland Skills Training Center (RSTC). She attended the RSTC during the day, 5 days a week, and the Cisco Systems Networking Academy Program at night, 2 nights a week.
After completing her training at the RSTC in February 2001, Karen continued to job search and gain hands-on experience. She served as a voluntary intern and assisted students in the RSTC G.E.D program with their basic computer skills. In addition, she tutored a group of Sudanese students. In July 2001, she completed her studies and became a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
During her academic career, Karen was a Richland College student leader and ambassador and was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa International Academic Honor Society (November 2001). She was also selected to the 2001-2002 National Dean's List and to the 2002 Texas All-State Academic Team.
Next, Karen became a part-time employee for Richland 's Continuing Education Department as an Instructional Assistant in December 2001. Then, in January 2003, she was asked to teach an Introduction to Networking class. Karen says, “This gave me my first opportunity to teach what I knew to others, and I decided that if I could not get a job using what I knew, then I could possibly teach others to do what I knew how to do. This would allow me give back what had been given to me.”
This opportunity also allowed Karen to follow in her mother's footsteps. Her mother, Mary E. Easley, served as professor of sociology and social work education and assistant dean of students at Bishop College, Park College, and Texas Woman's University. Karen realized, “We never know what life may hold, but we must remember sunshine will wait at the end, if we just believe.”