Bodwell High School - Review #1

What makes Bodwell unique compared to other schools, in my experience, is how international and interconnected it feels. You don’t just go to class and then go home; you live and learn with people from all over the world. That environment forced me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. I learned not only academics, but also how to communicate, compromise, and collaborate with people who came from cultures completely different from mine. Another unique aspect is the CLC (Career Life Connections) program. It may sound small, but learning things like how to write a proper email, prepare a resume, and present myself professionally has made a huge difference. Those skills have followed me even beyond high school.

The best thing that happened to me at Bodwell was finding my voice and realizing I had the ability to lead. I came in as someone shy and unsure, but through experiences like CLC and Grad Co-op, I left with confidence.

If I could do something differently, I would tell my younger self to stop worrying about making mistakes because those mistakes were often where I learned the most.

What I liked most about Bodwell was the growth it encouraged. It wasn’t just about academics; it was about becoming independent, learning professionalism, and figuring out who you are.

For incoming students, my advice would be don't be scared. Those are the moments that will shape you. As for favorites, grab some snacks at the cafeteria late at night when you’re studying with friends, and don’t underestimate how much those little shared moments will mean later.

Bodwell’s academics are challenging, but they’re also adaptable. I appreciated that teachers understood that we were all coming from different systems and backgrounds, and they tried to meet us where we were. I especially liked how classes emphasized critical thinking and self-expression rather than memorization. Sometimes the workload felt heavy, but in hindsight, it trained me to manage my time better and prioritize.

I wasn’t the most athletic student, but sports were part of the Bodwell experience. What I liked most was the inclusive atmosphere even if you weren’t highly competitive, there was always space for you to participate and improve. For me, it wasn’t about winning championships; it was about staying active, making friends, and balancing academics with physical activity.

While I wasn’t deeply involved in the arts, I admired how much emphasis Bodwell put on creativity. Friends of mine who were into music and theatre had opportunities to perform at assemblies, and I often went to watch. The energy of those performances showed me how much talent was in our community. It created a culture where the arts weren’t just extra, but a core part of student life.

The variety of extracurriculars at Bodwell is honestly one of its strongest points. From student council to cultural clubs, there was always something happening. For me, the leadership opportunities within student-run groups were the most impactful. Being trusted with responsibility in high school was intimidating at first, but it shaped me into someone more confident and self-aware.

Living in the dorms was where I grew up the most. It’s not always easy sharing space, dealing with late-night noise, or missing home but those challenges turned into lessons. I learned independence, compromise, and even how to cook instant noodles in creative ways. Over time, the dorm felt less like a building and more like a small community where we all supported each other.

The cafeteria became one of the most social places on campus. The food itself was decent and pretty diverse, which mattered a lot for an international school. What I enjoyed most wasn’t necessarily the meals themselves, but the conversations that happened around the table, those moments built friendships.

North Vancouver itself felt safe, and being so close to both the city and nature was something special. On weekends, I’d sometimes go downtown with friends, or we’d just enjoy the trails nearby. Having that balance of urban and outdoor life is something I didn’t realize I valued until I left.

Bodwell’s social life was shaped by its diversity. At first, it was overwhelming to try and find my place, but eventually, I realized that everyone else was figuring it out too. Some of my closest friendships came from late-night talks in the dorms or from working together on group projects and events.