As she prepares to begin law school at the University of Cincinnati, recent Tiffin University graduate Demi Brown reflects on a college experience that shaped far more than her career aspirations. From serving as Student Body President to competing on the women’s soccer team, Brown discovered that growth is measured not only by accomplishments, but also by the relationships built, challenges overcome and opportunities to positively impact others.
We recently caught up with Demi to discuss her path to law school, the mentors who influenced her journey and how her understanding of success evolved during her time at Tiffin University.
What initially led you to pursue a career in law and when did you realize it was the direction you wanted to take?
My interest in law began at a young age after witnessing how the legal system impacted people close to me. Growing up, I saw both the challenges and consequences that can come from involvement with the justice system, which inspired me to learn more about how laws affect individuals, families and communities. As I progressed through my Criminal Justice program at Tiffin University and gained hands-on experience through my internship with CASA, I realized that law was more than an interest—it was the path I wanted to pursue. I became passionate about advocacy and helping others navigate difficult situations, which ultimately solidified my decision to attend law school.
What attracted you to the law school you will be attending and what are you most looking forward to as you begin this next chapter?
I was drawn to the University of Cincinnati College of Law because it combines a strong legal education with a location that will be home, where as Tiffin was a place that felt like home, and grew into a home. Cincinnati has always been an important part of my life, and while I am passionate about pursuing a career where I can advocate for and help families, it is equally important to me to come back home and be close to my own family and support system throughout this journey. The University of Cincinnati allows me to continue growing academically and professionally while staying close to the people who have supported me every step of the way.
As I begin this next chapter, I am most looking forward to challenging myself in a new academic environment, learning from experienced legal professionals and developing the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact through my future career in law. I am excited to continue building on the foundation I established at Tiffin University and take the next step toward becoming an attorney.
In what ways did your time at Tiffin University prepare you for this transition both academically and personally?
Tiffin University provided me with a strong academic foundation through coursework that encouraged critical thinking, research and effective communication.
Personally, TU helped me develop confidence, resilience and leadership skills. Through balancing academics, athletics, student leadership and internships, I learned how to manage responsibilities, adapt to challenges and remain committed to long-term goals.
Were there any professors, mentors or experiences at TU that significantly influenced your goals or helped shape your path?
One person who had a significant impact on my journey at Tiffin University was Dakel Patterson, Dean of Student Development and Transformation. Throughout my time at TU, he truly pushed me to be the best version of myself and treated me like family. During difficult moments, he made sure I kept my head on straight, offered honest advice, encouragement and always took the time to check in on me and ask about my future goals. What meant the most was that he celebrated even my smallest accomplishments and made them feel like major victories, which gave me confidence in myself and my abilities.
While Dakel had a particularly meaningful influence on my experience, I can honestly say that every staff member at Tiffin University impacted me in a positive way.
From professors and advisors to coaches and support staff, each person played a role in helping me grow academically, professionally and personally. I am incredibly thankful for every member of the Tiffin community, both staff and students, who contributed to my journey.
And I would be remiss if I did not give a special shoutout to the ladies in the café who always made sure I was fed. Their kindness, familiar faces and daily conversations made Tiffin feel like home and reminded me that the University is built on people who genuinely care about their students.
What is one accomplishment from your time at TU that you are especially proud of?
One accomplishment I am especially proud of is being elected Student Body President. Serving in this role allowed me to advocate for my fellow students, work collaboratively with University leadership and create opportunities for student engagement. It strengthened my leadership abilities and taught me the importance of listening, representing others and finding solutions to challenges.
Outside of the classroom, what experiences at TU such as student involvement, leadership roles or internships had the biggest impact on you?
My involvement in Student Government and my experience as a student-athlete on the women’s soccer team had the greatest impact on my development during my time at Tiffin University.
Through Student Government, I was able to grow as a leader, advocate for my peers and help create meaningful opportunities for student involvement on campus.
My experience with the women’s soccer team was equally impactful, but not because of the game itself. What meant the most to me were the relationships I built with my teammates. They made me feel like I was more than just a jersey number or a player on a roster. They became some of my closest friends, my support system and people I know I will carry with me long after graduation. Through them, I learned the value of teamwork, trust, resilience and showing up for others. The friendships and memories we created together are something I will always cherish, and they played a huge role in making Tiffin feel like home.
What is a challenge you faced during college that ultimately helped you grow or gain clarity about your future?
One of the biggest challenges I faced during college was learning who I truly was while navigating so many changes at once. When you leave home for college, you’re not only faced with academic challenges, but also real-life challenges involving friendships, relationships, work, athletics and the pressure of figuring out your future. There were times when I felt like I was experiencing an identity crisis, trying to determine who I wanted to be and what kind of life I wanted to build for myself.
While it was difficult at times, that challenge ultimately helped me grow the most. It taught me that personal growth often comes from uncertainty and that it is okay not to have everything figured out right away. I learned the importance of resilience, self-reflection and staying true to my values even when faced with difficult decisions. Most importantly, I learned to lead with empathy because you never truly know what someone else may be facing behind the scenes. College taught me to think carefully before making decisions, consider different perspectives and approach others with understanding rather than judgment.
Looking back, those experiences gave me clarity about who I am, strengthened my confidence and helped shape the person I want to be both in my legal career and in life.
How would you describe your understanding of success now compared to when you first started at TU?
When I first began college, I viewed success primarily through achievements and accomplishments. Today, I see success as growth, resilience and the ability to positively impact others. While accomplishments remain important, I have learned that success is also measured by the relationships we build, the challenges we overcome and the difference we make in our communities.
What kind of impact do you hope to make through your career in law?
I hope to use my legal education to advocate for individuals who need support and representation while helping create positive change within the justice system. My goal is to combine legal knowledge with compassion and integrity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and contribute to a more equitable and effective legal system.
What advice would you share with current TU students who are considering law school or other graduate programs?
Believe in your ability to achieve goals that may seem intimidating at first. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you, seek mentorship, get involved on campus and gain practical experience whenever possible. Most importantly, do not be afraid to challenge yourself. Growth often happens outside of your comfort zone, and the experiences you gain along the way will help prepare you for whatever path you choose next.
I would also encourage students to ask for help when they need it. Asking for help can be difficult, but trying to figure everything out on your own is often even harder.
One of the greatest resources at Tiffin University is the people. Seek out professors, staff members and mentors who have experience in the field you hope to pursue.
Learn from their successes, mistakes and advice. Don’t be afraid to lean on your friends, either. The people around you can become some of your biggest supporters and strongest advocates.
I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. There will be times when things do not go according to plan, when opportunities fall through, relationships change or the future feels uncertain. In those moments, it can be easy to feel discouraged, but just because something does not work out the way you expected does not mean there is not something better ahead. Some of the experiences that felt like setbacks in the moment ultimately led me to growth, new opportunities and a clearer understanding of who I wanted to become. Trust the process, keep moving forward and remember that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Finally, while I am now an alumna, I am always happy to help any TU student who is considering law school or trying to navigate that path. I would not be where I am today without the guidance and support of others, and I would be more than willing to pay that forward for the next generation of Dragons.