The Excel Center Florissant

Over the next couple of weeks, we would like to highlight some of our recent graduates! We can only have so many speakers at graduation, and we thought this would be an opportunity for our students to share their story. We are sharing the graduate's words with as little adjustment as possible, so these are their stories.

Today's graduate: Angela Wise-Payne!

"It’s been God all the time. 🙏🏾🙌🏾🦅

The glass ceiling is finally broken from over my head.
Truth of the matter is that it’s been broken for years now.
I can look up and see nothing but the beautiful sky and it’s not my limit; it’s so much more to my story.
I’m in continuation mode.

All of my hard work, dedication and sacrifices have paid off.
The early mornings, late nights and me trying to balance my family, church and work life.

Let me not forget the tears 😭
There were days that I felt inadequate and I wanted to throw in the towel but quitting was not an option for me.
I had to stay the course.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

My support system held me down 10/10.
I learned through this journey that silence is golden.
My class mates were the best a village with in a village.
I can honestly say that there was no competing against one another.
We all helped and encouraged each other daily.
All of my teachers and staff members brought something different to the table. Thing’s that I will hold on to forever.

I will leave you with this.
Never ever give up on yourself; your dreams and aspirations.
Stop being your own worst critic.
Don’t look at what you don’t have.
Always apply yourself.
Don’t despise small beginnings; everything has a starting point.
Don’t compare yourself to others.
Stay in your own lane.
Never allow your past to dictate your future.
Age is nothing but a number; it’s never too late to begin again.

Don’t stop dreaming and don’t stop showing up for yourself 🫶🏾

Let this be your affirmation

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

You got this
Matter of fact
We got this
No one would ever be counted out on my watch.
We all matter 🙏🏾🌻🙌🏾🦅
I live by this 🙏🏾🫶🏾🌻🦅

Love & Peace 🙏🏾🫶🏾🌻🦅"

TONIGHT!
North County Excel Center is hosting our graduation celebration for all students who graduated between March 2026-May 2026!
We will live stream it here on Facebook starting at 6pm (technology permitting)!

The Dignity on Wheels mobile shower from InExcelsis will be back at the Rock Road and Natural Bridge branches this year! Free showers, along with towels, shampoo and body wash will be provided. Arrangements can be made for free transportation from other SLCL locations to utilize this service. View the schedule: https://buff.ly/8C9VWjv

Last Wednesday, we held our second annual Poetry Slam! It was incredibly moving to hear all of our students share original poems or poems that they have a personal connection with. Thank you to all who shared!

Today is Administrative Professionals Day! We want to celebrate our front desk secretary, Tammy Cross! She is the first person you see as you enter the building, and she is always ready to put smile on your face with her kindness and positive attitude (or with candy). Tammy is so amazing, and we are so happy to have her on our team!

Another great opportunity for any in our community who is looking for employment. CAASTLC does an incredible job putting these events together.

One week from today, CAASTLC will be hosting another hiring fair for Lambert International Airport. The hiring fair will be at CAASTLC on March 3. 10am-2pm.

CAASTLC is putting on another hiring fair for Lambert International Airport! It's a great opportunity for anyone seeking employment in any of these fields, and CAASTLC is an incredible organization!