From Father-Daughter Students to Co-Host Success: The Constantin Family's Inspiring Journey 

A story of resilience, education, and the power of family support 

When life threw an unexpected curveball at Destiny Constantin during her first year of college, she could never have imagined that her biggest challenge would eventually lead to one of her most rewarding experiences. What started as a health crisis that derailed her educational dreams became the foundation for a unique multi-generational college journey—and ultimately, a successful podcasting venture that’s inspiring authors and dreamers across the country. 

An Unexpected Partnership 

Destiny’s story began like many others: a passionate young woman who knew from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher. After graduating high school early at sixteen, she enrolled at a community college to study childhood education. But when her bone disease worsened after her first year, causing her to lose more than half of her mobility, her educational dreams seemed to crumble. 

That’s when her father, John Constantin, made a life-changing decision. He sacrificed his successful IT career to become Destiny’s full-time caregiver and made an extraordinary choice, he would return to school alongside his daughter. 

“We motivated each other to return to school,” Destiny recalls. “I wanted to complete my associate’s degree, and I also wanted Dad to expand his computer skills and gain new knowledge instead of just waiting on campus for me to finish my classes.” 

Finding Their Home at Bryant & Stratton College 

After a difficult experience at another institution, the Constantin family found their academic home at Bryant & Stratton College. The small class sizes and accessible campus made all the difference. 

“Choosing Bryant & Stratton College made us feel welcomed, and we were able to excel in our coursework,” John explains. The supportive environment was exactly what both father and daughter needed. Destiny switched her major Business, eventually earning her bachelor’s degree in General Management, discovering an unexpected passion for subjects like accounting and economics- while John pursued an associate’s degree in Security Technology. 

The faculty at Bryant & Stratton College played a crucial role in their success. Professors like Mrs. Tracy Cooley, Dr. Hartwell, and Mr. Kolt created welcoming environments and provided the accommodations Destiny needed to thrive. But perhaps most importantly, academic advisor Gloria Borynski saw potential in Destiny that others had missed, encouraging her to consider teaching at the college level and inspiring her graduate school journey. 

From Students to Educators 

Today, Destiny has come full circle. She’s now in her second year as an Adjunct English Professor at the Amherst campus, creating the same supportive, welcoming classroom environment that she once experienced as a student. Her dream of becoming a teacher has become reality. 

“Being a teacher means the world to me, and I am happy to be back at Bryant & Stratton College,” Destiny shares. “One day, I hope to expand my role at the college and become an academic advisor, so I can be that advisor and teacher who tells students never to give up on their dreams.” 

Chasing Stories: A Podcast Born from Passion 

The Constantin family’s collaborative spirit didn’t end with their education. John, with his technological background and dream of being on radio, came up with the idea to start a podcast. So “Chasing Stories” was born- a show that covers all aspects of writing and storytelling. 

The father-daughter dynamic brings something special to their show. “We bring two different perspectives on topics coming together as one,” John explains. While Destiny is a meticulous planner who creates outlines before writing, John turns on the radio, opens a Word document and starts typing. This contrast creates engaging content that resonates with their audience. 

Their podcast features conversations with new authors about their writing journeys, along with coffee reviews, tech tips, and sports discussions. What started as John’s hobby has evolved into part of Destiny’s home-based publishing company, which offers book reviews and editing services. 

Impact and Recognition 

“Chasing Stories” has achieved remarkable success, reaching number one in the United States according to their year-end reviews. The show has featured memorable guests like authors Amy Sparling and Wanda Adams Fischer- who encouraged John to continue with the podcast, calling him “a seasoned vet.” 

Beyond the numbers, the podcast has had a transformative effect on both hosts. John notes that it has helped Destiny “come out of her shell and become a better teacher,” while their message continues to inspire listeners to pursue their own writing journeys. 

Lessons for Current Students and Graduates 

The Constantin family’s journey offers valuable lessons for current students and new graduates. Creating a successful podcast requires dedication, technical skills, marketing knowledge, and persistence- skills that their Bryant & Stratton College education helped provide. 

But perhaps their most important message transcends business advice. As Destiny emphasizes: “Don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t do something, especially if you have your heart and mind set on something. And never give up on your dreams, no matter what obstacles you may need to overcome.” 

John adds his own wisdom: “Keep learning everything you can, follow your dreams no matter what they are. Be patient, kind, and stay humble. When that special moment arrives, show up and shine, owning that moment because you’ve earned it.” 

A Legacy of Inspiration 

The Constantin family’s story exemplifies the transformative power of education, family support, and perseverance. From their shared college experience at Bryant & Stratton College to their successful podcast venture, they’ve shown that obstacles can become opportunities and that dreams deferred don’t have to be dreams denied. 

Their podcast, “Chasing Stories,” continues to grow and inspire others, proving that everyone truly does have a story to chase. For current students and alumni facing their own challenges, the Constantin family serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and the right educational foundation, any dream is possible. 

To listen to “Chasing Stories” and follow Destiny and John’s ongoing journey, search for their podcast on Spotify and Apple podcasts!