Building Bridges from Virginia Tech to Nepal

I am extremely excited to see this article published. As a student of Ms. Vance's Creative Process class at Virginia Tech, I am exposed to her brilliant, compassionate, and awesome ideals/teachings/life lessons every week but can not fully express her abilities and triumphs as this article has.

Ms. Vance is incredible. I consider it an enormous opportunity that I was able to be in her class this year. She has taught me so much (in terms of my writing and also in terms of life). It is so terrific that you have published this article about her. If anyone deserves admiration, it is Ms. Vance.

It is good to see someone is trying to spread the word about this jewel of a person that the town of Blacksburg is lucky enough to have. Ms. Vance inspires more than to be simply be a better student, she inspires to be a better person. Any of her students could go on and on about her, myself included, but I will simply say thank you for sharing about one of Blacksburg's and Virginia Tech's greatest assets.

We all sound biased so far, but if you had met this amazing woman yet you would be too. Like Patrick said before me she challenges you to try and become a better person and to make a difference in the world. I can honestly say that the most valuable lessons and material I will remember when I'm sixty won't be from any class I meant to take - it will be from Ms. Vance's "The Creative Process" that I stumbled upon. She's a wonderful artist, teacher, and person and I'm glad you're bringing light to her work.

Ms. Vance is an amazing woman, and her Creative Process class is one that I will keep close to my heart for the rest of my life. Her influential knowledge is endless, and I think that every student at Virginia Tech should take her class.

I hate to sound repetitive, but Ms. Vance is genuinely an inspirational and admirable person. I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of her class, the Creative Process. Not only is Ms. Vance intelligent, witty, deep, and spiritual, but she is extremely passionate about Virginia Tech, her students, and her subject. Ms. Vance's presence here at Tech is truly a blessing.

"A Gift for The Village" is a project Ms. Vance has invested immense time towards completing. The connection she is building with Amchi Tsampa Ngawang Gurung Lama, his village, and India and its neighbors is helping to bridge a sincere relationship between America and fellow countries. The paintings, stories, and love Ms. Vance shares with her friends, students, and even strangers promotes the need for compassion and understanding. I admire your strength, and diligence; keep up the good work Ms. Vance.

This article was recently brought to my attention. Ms Vance has dedicated an enormous amount of time and energy into this project and I am happy to see that this painting is getting the recognition it deserves. Ms Vance is a talented painter, an amazing teacher and an even more amazing person. If you are a student at VT then you owe it to yourself to take her creative process class.

On the first day of Ms. Vance's class, she asked us to write about what we knew about a few different places and events. One of which was Tibet. Most of my classmates and I knew very little about Tibet and their struggles. Ms. Vance opened my eyes in showing that the creative process is not only about elaborate writing but is first about being well-rounded and cultured. As has been stated above, Ms. Vance is an excellent teacher, artist, and friend! Thank you Ms. Vance for all you do!

There are some people that come into your life that truly change you. Jane Vance not only changes you, she transforms you in every way you want to be changed. Not only is she transformational, but Jane has bridged communication to countless people of Nepal that will forever change our lives. I am so excited to see this project grow, and grateful for what I have seen through Jane.

To continue on Jane, she is inspirational. Jane embodies everything you want to be and every way you want to live. She is truly a gift to us as much as the village.

Jane Vance is one of the most interesting people I have ever met. She has opened my eyes to cultures that I would have otherwise overlooked. Her Creative Process class at Tech was one of the most life-changing classes I have ever taken, and I hope that everyone has a chance to experience Jane's teaching.

I give my best wishes to Jane and the crew working on this documentary.

I love Ms. Vance. She is by far the most wonderful and passionate teacher I have ever had. I wish her and her team all the best as they continue to create the documentary.

I wanted to show the incredible amount of respect I have for this woman both as a teacher and a mentor, and am so pleased to see this article has been published! I was lucky enough to be in her Creative Process class last semester, and throughout a series of thought processes that seemed counter-intuitive at times, I found myself changing for the better as a person. Virginia Tech truly is immensely fortunate to have someone that is not just a great teacher in their community, but also someone with an unparalleled compassion for others and a selflessness that seems to have no end.

I loved this article! I absolutely agree with all of the previous posts; Ms. Vance and her Creative Process class are very inspiring and something I look forward to each Monday and Wednesday. She is a wonderful role model and has such a refreshing perspective on life. I feel so lucky to have discovered this class and that I had the opportunity to have met a woman as wise and talented as Ms. Vance!

I was Ms. Vance's student in Spring of 2007. Her class is fabulous. She teaches with such enthusiasm and energy which resonates to her students. She is such a wonderful person and I am looking forward to seeing "A Gift for the Village."

Ms. Vance is without a doubt the most amazing teacher I have ever had. I feel incredibly honored to have had her as a professor and can only hope that others at Virginia Tech may be as lucky as I was. She genuinely cares about her students and all that she is involved in, evident each class by the emotion and energy she exerts trying to help us understand what is happening on the other side of the world. She helped open my eyes to the current genocide in Tibet and taught me lessons I will never forget. Because of Jane Vance, her students at Virginia Tech and anyone who has been lucky enough to meet her and hear the stories she has are undoubtably better and more knowledgable people and I thank her for that.

Knowing and being taught by Jane Vance has undoubtedly been the best education I have received from Virginia Tech. I highly encourage any kind of student, major, or person, to enroll in her Creative Process class; you will not only walk away feeling great about yourself, but you will feel empowered to seek the highest truths and be the best version of yourself.

It is an honor to learn from an individual with the capabilities and visions that Ms. Vance has. And just like a gardener takes his best seeds and plants them in his most fertile soil, that is Ms. Vance: taking her highest knowledge and depositing it into the minds and futures of her students.

When asked about how I like Virginia Tech, what classes I'm taking, and how the teachers are, I cannot help but bring up Jane Vance and the Creative Process class. I remember the first few classes she was always asking if people needed her to sign force-add papers, and speaking of how our lives will be changed by the class. I had figured this to be arrogance, but as the class went on I knew she was right. Jane Vance is truly a unique person, one whom people might spend their lives looking to meet. I cannot be grateful enough to have been a part of her class and insights.

I truly hope that Ms. Vance's class will continue to be a marquee class taken by Virginia Tech's students. It is the only class that has given me the ability to perceive the world differently through my exposure to unique cultures, insightful writing and Ms. Vance's gifted story-telling ability.

Ms Vance is one of the most inspiring individuals I have ever met. She has the ability to open her student’s minds and souls. She has guided me further in a semester then I could have ever imagined. I cannot wait to see this fabulous film, and knowing Ms. Vance, it will not be anything less than extraordinary.

Jane Vance is by far the most inspiring, caring, and enthusiastic teacher I have ever had. I look forward to every tuesday and thursday, and leave every class with a changed perspective on life. She continually shows us and reminds us of our importance, and our ability to make a difference in this world, and stands as an example of true greatness. It has been an honor to be one of her students, and I know her class will stay with me forever.

I can't say that I have ever met anyone quite like Ms. Vance and I probably never will. She is an amazing person that has experienced so much and I find myself lucky to be exposed to her experiences on a weekly basis. Her Creative Process class is one that will teach you to look beyond the conventions and rules of common writing and thinking and to explore your inner most thoughts and feelings. This is not your standard, run of the mill elective this is a REAL class.

With the rigors of motionless, objective learning consuming most of our collegiate coursework, The Creative Process is an organic delight. I feel that Miss Vance enlightens - not so forcefully instructs - students in the ways of pursuing a life of substance.

I am privileged to be a former student of Ms. Vance's Creative Process class at Virginia Tech. As so many have said before me, Ms. Vance is a passionate, selfless, inspirational, and admirable individual. I have witnessed her determination and dedication to this project and I am looking forward to seeing it in completion through "A Gift for the Village".

Thank you for everything Ms. Vance and best wishes to you and your crew!

Wow, what an amazing journey Ms. Vance and her team embarked on traveling to Nepal. Not only the trip, but the journey is everything compiled that made this trip become so. Most people do not get this experience.
Regardless if the trip occurred or not, Ms. Vance is a one of a kind professor that cannot be found anywhere else. Her course The Creative Process is the most unique, educational, fun, serious, and every other emotion in between course I have, am, and will ever take. I am very proud that Ms. Vance is my professor teaching me about things in life that go beyond the textbook. I believe this course should be required for everyone to take, not be removed from the course options. This course is too important to be removed.

Ms. Vance has been the most inspiring professor I've had at Virginia Tech. What I have learned from her and the Creative Process isn't something you can find in a textbook. She goes beyond being a wonderful teacher and mentor to being a great friend too. She has opened my eyes and has helped me become less naive about the world around me, a lesson I believe everyone should learn.

Ms. Vance always sees the best in people. She has an eye for beauty and knows it's all around her. She sees the best in me and that motivates me to do great things with my life. When I signed up for The Creative Process, the class taught by Ms. Vance, I had no idea it were possible to get so much out of a class. I can remember talking to a friend at the bus stop about our class and I said it shouldn't be called The Creative Process, it should be called "life". Ms. Vance taught us to have eyes like peacock feathers and to never look at something from one angle. More people should follow this advice. Ms. Vance would never judge anyone and because of that, a person can be him or herself around Ms. Vance. And, despite how that person may be to everyone else, be it the world has given up on then, Ms. Vance always knows there's more than what meets the eye. She sees a person's true potential, and wants the best for them. You couldn't ask for a better friend.

Ms. Vance is the most inspirational teacher I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I leave each class with a new sense and appreciation of the world. Ms. Vance has opened up doors to the other side of the world that I have never experienced before, and to that, I appreciate her even more. This class is to inspirational and important to be taken away. I hope more students have the opportunity to experience Ms. Vance's stories, worldly knowledge, and caring attitude that I have been able to experience this year. I learned more about the world and how people "work" essentially in this class than I have in any other class I have taken in high school or in college. I cannot even say how much I appreciate Ms. Vance and all that she does for her Virginia Tech students.

In order to somewhat replicate the elegant simplicity Ms. Vance - and her course - offers, I will simply say this: Ms. Vance woke me up.

Ms. Vance's course, The Creative Process, is a truly enjoyable and life changing experience. I am so happy that I had the privilege of experiencing this course and learning from such a wonderful teacher. Thank you Ms. Vance!

I love The Creative Process and without a doubt it is my favorite class that I've ever taken.  Ms. Vance has such a dynamic and personal teaching style so she really is able to connect with her students each on an individual level. She teaches us not only great literature and helps improve our writing technique and develop a voice, but she also encourages us to care more about the world. 

Ms. Vance's Creative Process course is unlike any course I have ever taken, and undoubtedly the most unique and enriching class any student at Virginia Tech could take. The content of Ms. Vance's course could never be summarized or simply found in a textbook... it must be experienced and absorbed through one's own participation and growth through the semester.
My global perspective has widened immensely and I have not only learned about various world religions and unfamiliar cultures, but also become more aware of our own country's history. Each class is truly a gem, and not only presents an abundance of striking knowledge but also an incredible sensory experience-- compelling films, gripping photographs, personal artifacts, exotic smells, mesmerizing true stories, in-class snacks, and a field trip to Ms. Vance's extraordinary home are all an integral part of this course.
I find comfort in knowing that Ms. Vance would do ANYTHING for her students, and is the most understanding and compassionate friend and mentor anyone could hope to have in their life.
Thank you Ms. Vance!

There is no individual more imperative to meet at Virginia Tech than Ms. Vance, and no class more imperative to preserve, for the sake of the students, than The Creative Process. The magnitude of her intellectual and emotional gamut is relentless, and it is an honor that she chooses to teach here. I have come to her class, while not registered as a student, all semester to witness the sensational journey that she steers her class. I am so thankful to have befriended Ms. Vance.

While at first this class may seem like a lower priority for a technical university, in the context of individual growth, this class is vital. It is the only class that demands its students to consider why they go forward- a question that is evaded and deafened by the mechanical movement between tests. If you are a technical student who is worried about your coming obsolescence in a global economy, this class will prepare you for when that shock comes. Her class is an essential dive into the fundamental relationship between oneself to the elusive process of creative existence. A relationship that is experienced, not through the objective analysis of philosophy and the social sciences, but through the discovery of YOU and YOUR relationship with life.

I was delighted to read this article. I am a member of Ms. Vance's Creative Process class, and through this class, I have seen Ms. Vance exemplify all of the wonderful qualities that are detailed in this article. Her class has taught me valuable information about Amchi Tsampa Ngawang Gurung Lama as well as taught me how to view other cultures from their own perspective in order to not look through prejudiced eyes. Ms. Vance has greatly improved me as a writer and was a stable guide throughout my entire semester with her.

Ms. Vance is without a doubt the most sincere, warm-hearted, compelling, intelligent professor I have ever had. I feel so blessed to have had her as my teacher and friend and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to take her Creative Process course. Under her instruction, I have grown as both a writer and a person, and I will never forget the time I was able to spend in her classroom.

Ms. Jane Vance has been such an inspirational teacher. I have only had her for a semester but I feel like she has been teaching me for years. The knowledge she possesses and shares to the students she teaches is indescribable. She is able to open our minds to pertinent knowledge that we must possess in and outside of the classroom. Her mind seems endless in wisdom! And to top this, she actually cares about each student. I truly believe Ms. Jane Vance to be an irreplaceable jewel that Virginia Tech is fortunate to have.

Ms. Jane Vance is extraordinary. Her teaching methods are effective, fun, and innovative. She uses her Creative Process course to help us as students learn about writing, the world, and ourselves. Ms. Vance has experienced so many things that most of us are only lucky enough to hear about. I am so touched by the video above. It shows her compassion for the world and her dedication to her work. Not many professors are able to create an environment with a strong educational core that is coated with love and caring. She is genuine in her instruction, and wishes the best for all of her students. If you are looking for a class that can change your life, and help you to grow academically and personally, then Ms. Vance's Creative Process course is for you!

Ms. Vance is truly someone to be admired. I sat in awe as she taught our Creative Process class about cultures we'd never experienced before. Seeing the world through her stories opened my eyes more than any movie or documentary. Every day in class was a new adventure, a new path cleared for her students, with Ms. Vance blazing the trail. I took Ms. Vance's class during the Spring semester of '07. One thing that has always stuck with me is her advice on how to deal with the April 16th tragedy. She taught us not to hate, not to feel anger and disdain, but rather to love. And she taught us love for all 33 of those lost on that fateful day. To this day, I mourn the loss of 33 lives and the circumstances which lead to what happened on April 16th. Ms. Vance has welcomed me into her house unannounced with open arms numerous times, each time a new project to show and a new cat who hasn't gotten a name yet... Although you can be sure it will be something amazing.
Ms. Vance is truly a guiding light and her aura blazes maroon and orange. While VT is lucky to have her... her students are blessed to have had her... if even for one semester.

Ms. Vance is the most remarkable teacher that I have ever had. I learned more in her Creative Process class then I ever could have imagined. She is full of such joy and energy that you can't help but to return her smile. Ms. Vance not only taught us about the world through her own experiences, but she brought the world to us. She gave us gifts everyday of her own personal experiences and even shared her friendship with Amchi Tsampa by bringing him to our classroom. She is filled with passion for so many things: art, words, people, cats, necklaces... the list is endless. She was able to share her passion for the world with her class. I am grateful to have had Ms. Vance as my teacher, and believe that the Creative Process should be a mandatory course for all Virginia Tech students. I wish her luck in her future journey to Nepal and thank her wholeheartedly for everything she taught me.

Ms. Vance is one of the most amazing, unique, and genuine people I have ever met. She truly cares for her students and would literally do anything for them. Before beginning the Creative Process, I had a somewhat sheltered view of the world - but Ms. Vance has changed that for me. I believe that after this past semester, our class changed for the better, and every individual left with more maturity and insight than we could have thought possible through the work of one class, one teacher. It is my personal belief that every student who takes Ms. Vance's Creative Process class leaves at the end of the semester a better person, and she is an amazing asset to the Virginia Tech community.

I took The Creative Process with Ms. Vance two years ago, and I still think of the class often. It was one of my most enjoyable and educational classes I have ever taken. Not only did Ms. Vance help me become a more effective, creative, and intelligent writer, but she also opened my eyes to fascinating cultures I would not have known much of otherwise. Ms. Vance is one of the most creative people I have ever met and has influenced me to be a more creative person. I know that when I leave college, I will be a better person and employee for taking her course. It was an absolute honor to have been taught by a teacher with such passion for her subject and students. I hope Ms. Vance, both in her class and through this documentary, will continue to positively influence people they same way she influenced me.

I took Ms. Vance's creative process class as a freshman at Virginia Tech. I am now a senior and Ms. Vance's class remains the single most important class I have taken. I have never had a more compassionate and loving teacher who truly reaches out to every student. Learning about far away cultures gave me the opportunity to see the world while sitting in a classroom at Virginia Tech. Without a doubt, Ms. Vance has impacted my time at Virginia Tech and I am extremely thankful that I was placed into her class spring semester of freshman year.

Ms. Jane Vance embraces, challenges, and nurtures her students to analyze the human condition through reading, writing, and various other art forms. With a unique style and eloquence, Vance continues to awe and inspire every student through to her ability to balance her sense of deep compassion for all human beings with her dedication and commitment to teaching and the great responsibility which that brings.

Two years following class with Ms. Vance, I am serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala, in a setting far from that of McBryde hall; however, the stories and lessons which we shared and learned together in the spring of 2007, with the guidance a fine leader, continue to influence me.

I only hope that other students might have the opportunities that I did. The Creative Process is worthy of Burrass Hall.

I first heard about Ms. Vance's charismatic teaching style when a friend of mine suggested that I take her "Creative Process" class at Virginia Tech. She claimed that her "teacher-friend" was the best professor at Virginia Tech with a genuine love for her students. I went out on a whim and signed up for the course. Even from the first day of class, I could tell that Jane was different. She had a passion for culture and wanted to spread this culture throughout the world, hoping that each and every one of her students would take even just one thing away from her class and pass it on to the next person. Her loud, enthusiastic, passionate teaching style made us all appreciate people around the world. This article truly portrays the dedication and passion that Jane has for the world. The ties and connections that she has to offer to her students, as well as the community open even the most stubborn eyes to real world concerns that affect all of us in some form. She is by far the most inspirational professor I have had at this University. I wish that everyone would have the opportunity to take her class.

Taking Ms. Vance's course has been the most meaningful and stretching experience for me since coming to college. I am so lucky to experience it twice a week. I will never be the same.

Jane Vance's class should be a requirement for every Hokie! As a senior, I have gained more from The Creative Process than any other course and I would like to thank her for being so incredibly inspirational and also for captivating me with her stories.

Not only does Professor Vance invite you into her home, but she invites each and every student into her heart. The way she connects to each and every student on an individual basis is astounding, and throughout my entire life I have never experienced such a thing -- especially in a college level. Whether it be Organic Chemistry or the hardest level Finance course offered, no other course on this campus could teach the human emotion of compassion. Jane Vance finds a way to reach into the depths of our emotions and bring something out of you that has never been experienced. I hope to God that she keeps teaching, not for her own sake, but so that every student that comes through this school has the chance to take her class. I have recommended her to each and every single person I know when I get the question, "what else should I add to course request," or "what else should I take." I was quite skeptical at first when I was told to take this class, and the first day was a little weird to me. However, after going to class every single time, I now see why she first said she will love each and every one of us. There is so much more to say about Professor Vance and I can without a doubt say that I wish I could take a course offered by her over and over again. Not to mention, she is an incredible artist.

I believe that if you are lucky enough in your academic career you will have a teacher that will not only teach you the curriculum but will also teach you about how to live your life with the knowledge they are giving you in order to make the world a better place. Jane Vance is that teacher for me. Ms. Vance is inspiring to say the least. She motivates me each class to be a better person, to use my knowledge to help others, and assures me that I can be creative in all aspects of my life. This is a fundamental lesson that I believe each person needs to conceive before graduating from college and entering the workforce. I enjoy Ms. Vance's class unparalleled to any class I have had at Virginia Tech or in my previous academics. Each class is an enriching, calming, and motivational experience that I would recommend to any student, no matter their major or interests. I have gained so much from her Creative Process course and I plan to carry with me the knowledge she has passed on. I hope that this course will be available to students for years to come and I would recommend with great enthusiasm that any student take this course.

I know I'm not alone when I say that Ms. Vance is the most compassionate and important teacher I have ever met. Her class exposed me to some of the best books I've ever read and some of the best art I've ever seen. I don't think my college career would feel complete if I didn't enroll in the Creative Process.

I am also really excited to see this documentary. As a cinema major, I think it looks fantastic.

Jane Vance was one of, if not the best teachers that I have had at Virginia Tech and I have had a lot. Her love and respect for her students is amazing and she is someone that you will never forget. I encourage all who can to take her Creative Process class. You will enjoy it so much that you'll want to take it again the next semester just so you can still be around Ms. Vance. You will get so much out of it and get to meet so incredible people.

This is the first class at Virginia Tech that I would recommend to a fellow student or friend. Ms. Vance treats each one of her students with dignity and respect. She really puts the time and effort into understanding her student’s personalities and writing styles. The materials push you to think outside of your normal range which is challenging yet fun at the same time. The documentary was amazing and I cannot wait to see the finished product. I can guarantee that you will look forward to each class period with her. I will never forget the Creative Process taught by Ms. Jane Vance.

Ms. Vance is by far the most influential teacher I have have had at Tech. This year two of my good friends were murdered, and Ms. Vance and her class The Creative Process were breathes of fresh air amidst the tragedy. She was understanding, caring, and empathetic through-out this semester. Her selfless nature shines through her interactions with all of her students, the way she teaches her class, and her interest and compassion for Nepal and other nations. She has opened my eyes to so much of the world that I might never have learned about without her class. I am really excited to see her finished documentary, and I would absolutely recommend her class to every student here at Tech.

I've got to say that Ms. Vance's class was one of the more amorphous classes I've taken in my college career. I don't remember much about my classes during my sophomore year at Tech, but her class is a hard one to forget. The mish mash of literature, art and storytelling made a reserved impression. I don't remember the class being one that struck me but rather one that slowly submersed me into literature and went at a pace that allowed me to actually enjoy what I was reading. If there was nothing more to say, I think that would be enough. There are far too few classes where a student can simply show up and enjoy what he/she is doing and learning. I'd recommend this class to anyone, not just because it's fun, but because the lessons and the insight gained from the class are infinitely applicable to life. All in all Ms. Vance's class is a class that a University needs if it insists on being a University. It's a class where students, from the very first day, are encouraged to think for themselves.

Ms. Vance’s Creative Process pushed me to think and open myself to new ideas. Her ability to tell stories is intriguing. Each one of them touched me and had purpose: some of them made me think, some opened my heart and some were just hard to hear- but those often held the most precious lessons. Her style of teaching is natural. Throughout her writing projects, she would require us to incorporate a certain writing style, and through corrections she would teach us how to improve our work. Reading selections were carefully chosen to both demonstrate exciting writing styles and to open new perspectives on both our own and totally unfamiliar cultures. This stimulated class discussions that were amazing in their frankness and truthfulness and revealing of other people’s experiences in a way I have not known in other classes. She pushed us to better ourselves through the Creative Process. I learned a lot from her examples from her own writing.

I acquired a lot of interesting information through her class, not only facts, but also about life in general. During the Creative Process she taught about different cultures, characters and ways of life; but most importantly life lessons- most inspiring to me, how to keep an open mind and an open heart. She truly cares about each one of her students equally and passionately. She is there for every one of her students as a teacher, a role model and a mentor. I am a sophomore, and Ms. Vance’s class has been the most meaningful and informative class I have taken.

I am constantly amazed at how wonderful Ms. Vance is! I was a student of hers a few years ago and I can honestly say her class was the best class I have taken at Virginia Tech. I wanted to come to class every single time (and was upset any time I had to miss!), and I never left a class not feeling like I had learned a real life lesson. It is such so refreshing to have a class that actually expands your mind, rather than just filling it. I love the way she loves her students so much and will do anything to help them, whether it is class related or not. I loved the Creative Process so much that I have already gotten 4 other students to take it! Her work in Nepal shows how truly caring and compassionate she is, and her paintings are the most beautiful ways to understand Tibetan culture. Ms. Vance is a rare and valuable asset to the Virginia Tech community, and I hope to see the Creative Process succeed long past my graduation.