Bodwell High School - Review #3

Bodwell doesn’t just teach you how to succeed academically but it teaches you how to adapt. What stood out most for me was how international the student body was. You walk into a classroom and hear four different accents in the span of a minute regardless of the english only policy, and that forces you, in the best way, to expand your worldview. It was like a mini United Nations, and I didn’t just learn from the teachers, I learned from my classmates. The school also makes a big deal out of mandatory volunteer work, which at first felt like an obligation, but later became something I looked forward to. It pushed me to interact with the community in North Vancouver in ways I wouldn’t have done otherwise. That kind of social learning really sticks with you.

One of the best things that happened to me at Bodwell was being chosen to speak at a graduation event. Public speaking terrified me, but I was encouraged by staff and peers to do it and I did. That moment stayed with me because it proved I could rise to challenges. I left Bodwell more confident, more adaptable, and more aware of the world around me. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to worry less

I guess i would have started learning at bodwell earlier haha

What I liked most about Bodwell was how much it made me grow. Not just academically, but personally. It wasn’t always easy but it was real, and it prepared me for UBC, and now, working in an international environment at Marriott. You learn how to live with others, think for yourself, and take initiative. It’s a school that puts the world in front of you and teaches you how to step into it.

If you’re visiting or starting at Bodwell, check out the third-floor library nook, it’s the coziest study spot. Tryi something new even if it scares you. That’s where the real growth happens. And stock up on the granola bars from the vending machine.

Bodwell’s academics felt flexible yet focused. What I liked most was that we had a mix of traditional subjects and more modern electives. You could take physics and pre-calculus, but also global citizenship and digital media. The teachers had different teaching styles as some were more structured, others more discussion-based but the support was consistent. I had one teacher who stayed after class just to help me prepare for my UBC interview. That kind of dedication matters. There’s definitely pressure, especially from students aiming high, but it was never toxic. People wanted to do well and helped each other get there.

Sports at Bodwell were inclusive. It wasn’t about how talented you were; it was about showing up and being part of the team. I joined recreational volleyball, and while I wasn’t winning MVPs, I felt welcomed. Coaches focused on effort and sportsmanship, not just scores. Some of my classmates were super into basketball and had the chance to compete in regional tournaments, so the competitive path exists if that’s your thing. The fitness center was pretty decent and open long enough to squeeze in workouts around a busy schedule. I liked that you could be active without being on a team.

The arts programs at Bodwell were vibrant and, most importantly, student led in many ways. I remember joining a theatre production during my second term and not because I was confident on stage but because a friend, Huy, dared me to. It became one of my favorite memories. The music program had this cool mix of classical and contemporary, and our visual arts department gave students a lot of room to experiment. You didn’t need to be a prodigy to feel included. The vibe was: if you’re curious, come try. That created a really open, expressive space.

Bodwell had clubs for almost every interest from debate, photography, environmental action. But what I loved most was the volunteering program. I helped out at a local senior center, and those conversations taught me more than any textbook could. There was also a strong culture of student driven projects. If you had an idea, staff would usually help you find a way to make it happen. We had events almost every month charity runs, cultural nights, themed weeks. It made school life dynamic and gave you a reason to stay engaged outside the classroom.

Dorm life taught me independence fast. The rooms were well-kept and had enough space for comfort, but the real highlight was the people. It wasn’t always perfect, sharing a room comes with challenges but it prepared me for university residence in a way no handbook could. I liked that there were quiet hours and set routines; it gave structure without being overbearing.

Dining at Bodwell was decent and improved during my time there. There was variety of different cuisines rotated throughout the week and they tried to cater to different dietary needs. Some days were better than others (I won’t lie), but I appreciated that they asked for feedback. Meals were buffet-style with optins, so you could pick what worked for you. I loved breakfast the most, probably because it became a social hour before class. The chocolate milk also deserves a shoutout.

North Vancouver is beautiful. We had mountains in our backyard such that whistler is not that far, and on weekends, we’d go hiking or take the Seabus downtown. The location struck a nice balance between peaceful and scenic, but close enough to city life if you needed a dose of excitement. Bodwell would sometimes organize trips like skiing, mall runs, museum tours. You could also explore with friends as long as you signed out properly. It gave you a sense of freedom and trust.

Social life at Bodwell was what you made of it. If you put yourself out there, you could build deep, cross cultural friendships. Weekend activities, clubs, shared dorm experiences were all opportunities to connect. I remember themed dances, movie nights, and spontaneous birthday celebrations in the lounge. What I liked most was how easy it became to talk to someone completely different from you. It was a lesson in empathy, and those skills still help me now in hospitality.