Bellevue Alum Overcomes Tragedy to Focus on Changing Lives

Unexpected, life-altering events took Destyni Byers from a traditional path to a new journey that would ultimately result in returning as an adult student and growing in her roles as a shelter advocate and chemical dependency counselor in Council Bluffs.

Facing Loss at a Young Age

While taking classes immediately after high school, Byers’ father was killed in a drunk driving accident. 

“Everything changed quickly for me,” she said. “College became too much stress to handle. I dropped out of my classes and focused on survival.”

Byers did not have the resources needed to continue her studies and instead focused on finding housing and employment. After that, life moved quickly.

“With work, marriage, kids with disabilities and all the responsibilities, school wasn't in my goals anymore,” she said.

Shifting Gears in the Face of Terminal Illness

In the following years, Byers took on another heartbreaking challenge. “When I learned my daughter had a terminal illness, it took over my life,” she said.

She took on being a full-time mother and caregiver for the diagnosis of Rett Syndrome, which has an average lifespan of 10 years.

“I feared all that would come with this,” Byers said. “Who would I be when she is gone? How will I continue to be present for my boys? This is what brought school back into my life.”

With an associate’s degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling and a career at New Visions Homeless Services, Byers began to look into her employer’s partnership with Bellevue University. She decided pursuing the Child Protection and Juvenile Justice program was the best option for completing her bachelor’s degree.

“I knew I needed to find who I was again,” she said. “My daughter recently turned 13, is still thriving in life the best she can, and I am more than a caregiver and mother. I am part of my community, making an impact daily.”

Finding the Support She Needed in Education

In addition to available tuition assistance, conversations with a Bellevue University academic advisor gave Byers confidence in her decision.

“I liked the program options available, and Bellevue University allowed me to maintain all areas in my life while continuing my education,” she said. This balance included caring for three children with her longtime husband; in addition to their daughter, they have 14-year-old and 7-year-old sons with multiple special needs.

Byers said her experience was a smooth one. “From working with an advisor, getting my books for classes, navigating the BRUIN Blackboard for homework, and communicating with my professors – I had a great experience,” she said. “This is why I have chosen to continue with Bellevue University for my master’s program in Human Services.”

Compared to previous experiences, the support Byers received made the difference. compared to previous experiences.

“My advisor never waited for me to check in; she reached out multiple times to see if I needed anything or how I was doing with school and my goals,” she said.

Infusing Learnings Into Daily Work, Future Goals

Byers has already seen how completing her bachelor’s degree can help her clients. “My programs have contributed to learning more resources, connecting with peers in my career field and adding further education,” she said.

Byers said she is better able to help others after everything she’s learned. “Losing my parent at a young age, learning to count on myself and having children with disabilities helped me learn how to be strong, resilient and become an advocate for myself and those who are going through traumatic events in life,” she said.

In addition to her work, Byers also runs the Council Bluffs Colts Youth Football Organization with her husband. “We serve over 350 kids in our community from preschool to eighth grade,” she said. “My heart and passion are with our youth. We provide a safe environment, with good peer-to-peer connections and solid lifelong mentors

Byers began her master’s degree in October with the hope of someday opening a youth center in her hometown of Council Bluffs, Iowa.