Bodwell High School - Review #8

What makes Bodwell stand out from other schools is how much responsibility and trust they place in students. Student leadership isn’t just symbolic, it shapes the entire school culture. Serving as Prime Minister of Student Parliament showed me how seriously the administration valued student voices. The diversity of the community was also unique, students from over 40 countries brought different perspectives, which constantly made discussions more engaging and made me feel like I was living in a mini version of the world.

The best thing that happened to me at Bodwell was discovering my leadership potential. Leading parliament and being encouraged to take initiative gave me the confidence to continue with leadership roles in university and beyond. I grew into a more empathetic, organized, and resilient person. I also gained lifelong friends who I know I can rely on no matter where I go in the world.

If I could give advice to incoming students, I would say be open to everything Bodwell offers. Don’t hold back from joining clubs, running for leadership roles, or trying a new activity. Boarding school is the perfect environment to take risks in a supportive setting. I wish someone had told me how fast two years fly by, it’s important to make the most of every opportunity.

What I liked most about Bodwell was the combination of diversity, leadership opportunities, and support from staff. It wasn’t just about preparing me for university; it was about preparing me for life. If you’re considering Bodwell, know that you’ll leave not just with academic skills, but with the confidence and friendships that will stay with you forever.

Lean into the discomfort of trying new things. Bodwell is full of opportunities to grow, but you have to be willing to take them. Don’t worry a lot, leadership, friendships, and confidence come with participation. And for something more lighthearted, claim a cozy study spot early; the library couches were my favorite. Also, the view from the waterfront trail near the campus is the perfect place to reset and reflect.

Academically, Bodwell challenged me to think critically and to apply learning beyond the classroom. Teachers encouraged discussion-based learning and often related lessons to current global issues, which helped me see the real-world relevance of my studies. The breadth of course selection meant I could pursue areas I was passionate about while still meeting university requirements. Teachers were approachable and truly invested in seeing students succeed, often staying after hours to give additional help.

I wasn’t one of Bodwell’s most competitive athletes, but I loved how accessible sports were. Whether you wanted to play volleyball at a high level or simply join a recreational team, there was space for you. The school emphasized participation and community spirit just as much as competition, which created an inclusive environment. Attending games and cheering for classmates also became some of my best social memories.

Bodwell is equally committed to the arts. While I personally wasn’t in the music or drama programs, I had close friends who were, and I admired how much the school invested in their success. Performances were well-organized, and there was genuine enthusiasm from both students and staff. Even as a student not directly involved, being in the audience and seeing the creativity of my peers added to the vibrancy of campus life.

The extracurricular opportunities were where I grew the most. From parliament to service projects, I always felt there was a place to explore new interests. For example, when I wanted to expand a service initiative into something larger, staff encouraged me and helped me connect with mentors. This support was crucial for me eventually founding my nonprofit, Claim Your Potential. Bodwell made leadership not just an idea, but a practice.

Dorm life was where I built some of my closest friendships. Living with students from different countries taught me adaptability and broadened my cultural understanding. Dorm staff were supportive but also gave us enough independence to grow. Common spaces were lively, and late-night study sessions or conversations with friends are still some of my fondest memories.

Dining at Bodwell was surprisingly good for a boarding school. The kitchen staff worked hard to provide diverse meals that reflected the international student body. Having different cuisines represented made meals feel like a cultural experience. It also gave me comfort to have healthy and varied options while living away from home.

Being in North Vancouver was another highlight. We were close enough to the city to enjoy urban life but also surrounded by nature. Weekends could mean a trip downtown with friends, a hike in the mountains, or simply exploring local cafes. The balance between city and outdoors was something unique about Bodwell’s location.

The social life was vibrant and welcoming. Because so many students were away from home, friendships formed quickly and deeply. Events like cultural nights, school dances, and sports games created opportunities for everyone to bond. Even outside of structured activities, there was always someone to talk to, study with, or hang out with in the dorms.