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RAYMOND – A professional life of working in heavy industry ended not long ago for Alonzo Hargrove, thanks to the wear and tear on his body.

Thanks to ��«Ӱҵ, however, he’s drafting a new career.

“I worked in maintenance and did welding for 30 years, so I still enjoying doing things with my hands,” Hargrove said as he began his studies in the Drafting and Design Technology program. “I did the same while I was in the Army as well.”

The Lena, Miss. native and Jackson resident was among students who on Monday attended the first day of classes for the fall 2017 semester at the college’s six locations. Late registration ends Friday Aug. 18. Registration for online classes ends Sunday Aug. 20.

Maricka Edwards, also of Jackson, plans to continue her family’s tradition of caregiving. In her case, it’ll be in healthcare.

“I’ve always loved helping people,” Edwards said. “My family owns a daycare in Jackson, so I’m coming to school to be the first nurse in the family.”

Following in a caregiver’s footsteps is also on Carlos Collins’ mind.

“My mom has worked in nursing for 11 years now,” said Collins, of Yazoo City, who is taking core academic courses and prerequisite classes, on his way to a nursing degree. “She works at a nursing home, and I’d help her out after school.”

[tweetable alt=””]Fall 2017 semester begins at ��«Ӱҵ CC Raymond Campus[/tweetable]