Photo by Rob Carolin
UND Law School Student Profile : Tiffany Findlay
By Beth Moe
What are the benefits of raising a child on a farm ? A simple Google search will give you an array of top-ten lists , blog posts , and statistics listing benefits from being healthier than non-farm youth to learning responsibility at an early age , understanding the value of a dollar , gaining a genuine respect for the land , the importance of community service , and family values to name a few . “ It was a fulfilling childhood ,” said Tiffany Findlay , a farm-raised , third-year law student at the University of North Dakota ( UND ) School of Law .
The values and skills Findlay learned on the farm have helped her succeed in law school . The work ethic that was ingrained in her from an early age has guided her through three years of legal writing and final exams . Time management , a skill she achieved by juggling family responsibilities , farm chores , school , and extracurricular activities , has allowed Findlay to keep up with her legal studies as well as participate in student organizations . Lastly , participating in 4-H gave her the skills necessary to effectively communicate as well as accept constructive criticism .
After graduating from high school , Findlay enrolled at UND . She wanted to find a college in a town in which she was comfortable with its size . “ UND felt the most at home , the most welcoming , and I loved all the green ,” recalled Findlay .
While majoring in mathematics , minoring in psychology , and earning a certificate in Norwegian , “ for fun ,” she joined the UND Mock Trial Team . “ Participating in mock trial made me realize I definitely could go into law ,” said Findlay .
Focused on agricultural law and a desire to return to a rural area , Findlay set her eyes on law schools in ag communities . Knowing she eventually wanted to practice in rural North Dakota and Minnesota , she chose UND School of Law where those important connections could be made . “ UND was the best decision for me ,” said Findlay .
“ My goal is to help rural communities ,” she stated when asked what interested her in agricultural law . “ I really want to help the farmers .”
Findlay knows firsthand how difficult it can be to find and contact someone who can help in rural areas . “ Most people think the Twin Cities is the only place to get good legal counsel and that isn ’ t true ,” she said .
She wants to change that mindset by living and practicing in a rural community . Findlay hopes with her background and legal education she can do just that . Ideally , she would like to find a semi-small firm located in a smaller town that deals with civil legal help for rural communities . “ Grand Forks is a really big town for me ,” laughed Findlay .
Findlay grew up on her family ’ s farm outside of Herman , a town in Grant County in mid-western Minnesota . She is the eldest child of Rhonda and Gary Findlay , a couple who met under extraordinary circumstances . In 1994 , it all began in an attempt to attract single women to the small farming community with a population of less than 500 .
At the time , single men outnumbered single women eight to one and job opportunities were scarce for women . A local newspaper article highlighted the need for women-run businesses to come to Herman . The article went national and the phenomenon known as “ Bachelormania ” began . Herman ’ s single men , including Findlay ’ s father , Gary , were featured in “ People Magazine ,” NBC ’ s “ Today Show ,” and even “ Oprah .” Later that year , Gary appeared on “ 20 / 20 ” with Barbara Walters .
A woman with a young , single daughter , who happened to live just
Photos by Rhonda Findlay
Tiffany Findlay and her siblings enjoying time on the farm .
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