Voices of UMF: Ayla Bodach-Turner

“Between academic learning and outdoor sport adventures I felt at home.”

Meet Ayla Bodach-Turner, a 2026 graduating senior from Montpelier, Vermont, earning a B.S. in Early Childhood Education (Dual Certification, birth–3rd grade) with a minor in Coaching. A member of the UMF ski team, Ayla reflects on her time at the University of Maine at Farmington:

“I was drawn the location of UMF, central to Portland and other activities but right in the middle of amazing skiing, hiking and outdoor adventures. This was really important to me. It was also one of the only schools that offered a ski team as well as an early education program.

What makes UMF stand out the most is the community. With small class sizes and close knit groups there is always a chance to build relationships and create a system of support towards success in your program.

I am proud of the connections I have created through my academics, including during student teaching and my work at Sweatt-Winter. I am proud of my sport accomplishments including high level performances at nationals all four years and representing the US at the World University Games in Italy in 2025.

My time here has helped me explore my options and begin to develop confidence in what I would like to peruse as I step into the ‘real world’.

If I could give prospective students any advice, I’d say come to UMF! Once you are there take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. Join clubs, build networks of people, go abroad, don’t be scared to step outside your comfort zone! UMF is a great place to do it, the support and knowledge of peers, staff and faculty make it all possible.”

Congrats, Ayla!