Karen Atkinson (Toney)

When I graduated from high school, my average wasn't good enough to get into junior college. I did everything backward. I got married and had one child. While I was a housewife, I started reading a lot. A friend of mine told me about the SEEK Program at CCNY. It was a program for marginal students like me, even though I wasn't marginal. I got into the SEEK Program and that allowed me to take remedial courses until I was in the college part. I went to summer school the first year because I was pregnant again. I got a couple more credits under my belt and took a music class. That summer class with Dr. Daniel Shapiro hooked me. I had to major in music because I had that feeling. I played the flute and clarinet, and I sang so well. Then I was told that I could only major in one instrument, so I majored in flute. I took lessons with Andrew Loyla. He played in a big orchestra in New York City. I progressed and completed all my courses. I graduated in four and a half years, even with having a baby. I got in contact with my teacher from Stevenson High School and I told her that I had my provisional music license. She told me, 'I don't have anything now.' I said to her, 'Can I send you a resume? You can keep it on file in the event that something pops up.' I sent them my resume and within two months she called me, saying, 'Karen, I have a position for you if you want it.' I got that position with my provisional license and taught band and music appreciation. I lost that position because I was provisional and someone was supposed to come in. I found out that a lady that I had made acquaintance with at Taft High School was the principal there. I went and started subbing there. I also taught music appreciation and guitar at a junior college.