Susan D. Crum Vance of Greeneville, Tenn. recently achieved one of her dreams with the publishing of her first book, “Only to Susan.”
Vance is a 1991 graduate of Tusculum College.
“For several years I’ve told my friends and family that one day I was going to write a book about some of my life experiences,” said Vance.
“Throughout my life it seemed like, at the time, things only happened to me. Sometimes they were just funny nuances, other times I felt my world shattering to bits all around me,” said Vance about her recently published book.
Vance is the associate vice president for Institutional Advancement at her alma mater, Tusculum College, in Greeneville, Tenn. Her work carries her throughout the state and across the country generating revenue and enhancing the college’s reputation, as well as strengthening and developing constituent relationships in support of the mission of the college.
“I have a deep desire to inspire others to persevere through challenges, both big and small,” she said. “I have always thought if I could share some of my trials that have sustained me, even if I inspired one other person, the trials of my life would then be worth it.”
The purpose took on a different dimension for Vance while writing her book. “I initially wanted to share some events in my life with others in order to make them laugh, allow them to see themselves in similar situations and bring happiness to their lives or hope to inspire them,” said Vance.
“Then I began reflecting on the fact that, as a society, I think we’ve lost the desire to dream. Is it the fear of uncertainty? The fear of failure? It takes a lot of courage, faith and belief in yourself, as well as hard work and determination to believe in and achieve your dreams. If I can achieve one of my dreams, then others, too, can accomplish their dreams,” she said. “I never thought I’d achieve this dream until I decided I was going to make it happen, ‘no matter what,’ and not give up on it until it was finished.”
She added, “I’ve already been told by some who have read my book, ‘I can’t believe you didn’t include’ this story or that story, most of which are humorous. It was my intent to keep my book brief enough that readers could easily read it in a short period of time. I love to read, but I can’t tell you the number of books I have yet to complete reading.”
Vance has begun writing her second book, “Dream . . . Dream Big.” The intent of her second book is to give individuals the proper tools and guidance in order to achieve their dreams no matter their age or how many times they have failed at achieving their dreams.
“Failure is a launching pad for the future,” said Vance. “People need to realize that their future can be anything they want as long as they are willing to do whatever it takes. Each start we make is the beginning to a new chapter in our lives.”
Vance and her son, Austin, live in the South Greene community of Greene County, Tenn., and they attend the First Baptist Church of Greeneville. To learn more about Vance and her book, visit www.onlytosusan.com or email her at info@onlytosusan.com.