Bodwell High School - Review #1

What made Bodwell stand out for me was how seriously it took its identity as an international school, not just as a marketing label, but as a lived experience. I shared dorms, classrooms, and lunch tables with people from all over the world literally dozens of countries. And that kind of environment naturally made you more open-minded, more adaptable. There was also a strong emphasis on self-expression and creativity. I felt that even though the school had structure, there was still room to shape your experience. For me, that made it really different from other schools I had looked into.

One of my proudest moments at Bodwell was screening the lipdub I made at the assembly [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdI6aF2T0X4]. It wasn’t perfect, but it was the first time I really saw my work in front of an audience and people actually clapped. That gave me the push to apply to film school later on. Bodwell helped me find my confidence as a creator. I also learned how to live independently and manage my time, things I didn't really know I was learning at the time, but that became obvious afterward. If I could go back, I would tell myself to speak up more early on. Get involved sooner. Don’t wait until you feel “ready.”

What I liked most was the freedom to grow into myself. Bodwell didn’t expect me to fit into a specific box. It gave me structure, yes, but also enough room to experiment, make mistakes, and figure things out. And the people from classmates to dorm staff, they really made the experience what it was. It wasn’t just about getting into university. It was about becoming a better version of yourself.

Looking back, what I appreciated most about Bodwell wasn’t any one thing but it was how the school let me figure out who I was without trying to push me into some generic path. I came to Bodwell from Mexico with a camera in my hand and a lot of uncertainty in my head. I wasn’t the loudest in the room, or the best at math, or the classic “student leader.” But what I found was a place that quietly encouraged curiosity and creativity and gave me the space to grow in my own way.

If you’re thinking about coming to Bodwell join clubs. Talk to people who aren’t from your country. Try something that makes you nervous. And if you’re into snacks like me, try the green tea mochi from the vending machine near the art wing, trust me. Also, check out the rooftop lounge near the dorms, it’s a great place to think, talk, or just watch the sunset after a long day.

I found the academics at Bodwell challenging but flexible. The teachers were supportive and often encouraged students to approach projects from their own angle. I remember for one social studies assignment, instead of writing a standard essay, I was allowed to create a short documentary video. That kind of freedom really helped me stay engaged. The classes weren’t overcrowded, so you actually had time to talk to teachers and ask questions. And while there was definitely a workload, it never felt overwhelming but it felt purposeful.

To be honest, I wasn’t the most athletic student since I was more comfortable with a camera than a soccer ball but I still found ways to enjoy the sports culture. PE was mandatory, and it encouraged us to stay active and try new things. I did swimming and recreational basketball, and even though I wasn’t super competitive, I appreciated that there was space for all skill levels. The facilities were solid, and a lot of my friends played on the school teams, so I ended up filming some of their games too.

This was one of the areas where Bodwell really shined for me. The arts weren’t treated like an afterthought as they were integrated into the school's identity. The art rooms were well-equipped, and there was a lot of student talent across music, visual arts, and theatre. I felt at home in that environment. The school gave us opportunities to showcase our work, whether it was through performances, exhibitions, or in my case, short films and digital design. It was a community where creativity was respected and encouraged.

Bodwell had a surprisingly wide range of extracurriculars from robotics and debate to fashion and dance. I loved that if a club didn’t exist, you could start it. That kind of student empowerment stood out to me. I helped co-run a mini film club in my last year, where we’d shoot and screen short films and talk about production techniques. The school also organized volunteer opportunities like beach cleanups and food bank drives, which gave us a chance to connect with the local community.

Dorm life was such a core part of the experience. I lived in a shared room my first year and homestay in my last year. The rooms were comfortable and had good natural light plus, we had common lounges that became hangout spots in the evenings. There were quiet hours for study, but also movie nights, game nights, and spontaneous late-night conversations. The staff were strict about curfew, but fair and supportive. I met some of my closest friends in the dorms, friendships that have lasted well beyond high school.

The food at Bodwell was honestly better than I expected. The cafeteria served a rotating menu with meals from different parts of the world which made sense given the international student body. Some days were definitely better than others (shoutout to sushi day and taco day), but overall, the variety kept it interesting. Breakfasts were simple but reliable. I liked that there was always fruit, tea, and vegetarian options, and the dining hall was a place where you naturally mixed with people from different grades.

Being in North Vancouver gave us the best of both worlds that is the peacefulness of the mountains and the energy of the city. We were walking distance from the waterfront and trails, but just a bus ride away from downtown Vancouver. I used to go out with friends on weekends to Granville Island or check out local film events. It wasn’t a huge college town vibe, but it had everything we needed from coffee shops, grocery stores, places to study off campus.

The social life at Bodwell was very international, which made it dynamic and sometimes unpredictable in the best way. You weren’t just hanging out with people from your own culture or background but you were constantly learning from others. The school organized events like talent shows, spirit weeks, and cultural nights, but the real memories came from small moments like making dumplings with your Chinese roommate, dancing in the hallway after curfew, or helping someone rehearse lines for a play. Social life wasn’t cliquey rather it was open and inclusive.