FARMINGTON, Maine – When Sophie Bedrinana moved from Los Angeles to attend the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), she was looking for a complete change of scenery. Having never seen snow before, she traded the sprawl of a California metropolis for the forests of Maine to pursue a degree in Visual Arts and Graphic Design.
What she didn’t expect was how a chance recommendation to join a Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) course would fundamentally shift her career path and her future.
Bridging Design and the Great Outdoors
Sophie’s journey into the outdoor industry began in the classroom of UMF professor Meghan Price. Though Sophie was focused on graphic design, the THOR outdoor recreation courses opened her eyes to the professional possibilities within Maine’s natural landscapes.
“I originally had no plans to take these [THOR] courses,” Sophie says. “But after taking them, I have such a deeper understanding of the outdoor recreation industry. I’m so excited to utilize what I’ve learned in my work going forward. I’d love to combine my graphic skills with outdoor opportunities—maybe at a camp or a touring business. There is a huge need for marketing and design in this industry.”
The Turn Toward the North
The turning point for her was the THOR Institute Vacationland course at the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK), a place-based immersion experience that deepened her localized and regional understanding of Maine’s unique geography and industry. Traveling to the northernmost reaches of the state in the dead of winter, Sophie experienced Maine’s rugged beauty firsthand.
From navigating a snowstorm that brought snow up to her hips to learning how to dog sled across a frozen lake, the experience was transformative.
“It felt so freeing,” Sophie recalls. “I learned how to ski for the first time, dog sled, and snowshoe. I met amazing people from across the state and even from out of the country. Those courses really pushed me out there and made me feel like I could do anything.”
A Future Rooted in Maine
As Sophie prepares to graduate this May, her connection to Maine has grown so strong that she is making it her permanent home. Beyond seeking seasonal work and design opportunities in the outdoor sector, she has set her sights on moving north to “The County” (Aroostook County), where she hopes to eventually start her own homestead and perhaps host her own outdoor recreation adventures.
Her enthusiasm for the state is contagious—so much so that she has convinced her parents to leave California and join her in Maine.
“I love Maine so much,” she says. “The people I’ve met have been so kind, and the forests are just beautiful. I’m stealing the whole family from California!”
Sophie’s story is a testament to the power of place-based learning. By connecting students with Maine’s unique regions and industries, THOR programs are not just teaching skills—they are building a new workforce dedicated to sustaining and growing Maine’s outdoor economy.