Bodwell High School - Review #5

What struck me most about Bodwell is how it gives you a chance to reinvent yourself. I came in knowing very little about the Canadian education system, and honestly, I was nervous about how I’d fit in. But from the very beginning, the teachers and students created an environment where I could find my independence. Bodwell isn’t just about academics, it’s about preparing you for life beyond high school by pushing you to be responsible for yourself while still giving you support when you need it.

The best thing that happened to me at Bodwell was realizing that I could truly live on my own and succeed. I entered nervous and uncertain, and I left feeling confident.

If I could go back, I’d tell myself not to hold back from joining things sooner. The earlier you get involved, the quicker you feel at home.

What I liked most about Bodwell was the independence it gave me. It taught me to trust myself, to try new things, and to not be afraid of making mistakes.

My advice for new students is take advantage of the opportunities whether it’s playing a sport or even just sitting down with someone new in the cafeteria. Those little choices make your experience richer. And if you ever need a good place to clear your head, head outside after dinner, the sunset over the water is something I’ll never forget.

The academics at Bodwell opened a lot of doors for me. I especially appreciated teachers like Mr. Hallis, who always made math feel less intimidating, and Ms. Lee, who pushed me to think critically in social studies. The workload was sometimes challenging, but it never felt impossible because teachers were always willing to sit down and explain. The biggest thing I took from academics here was learning how to manage my own schedule and study habits, which has already helped me in university.

Soccer was my main sport, and it taught me as much about teamwork as it did about fitness. Practices could be tough, but the encouragement from my teammates kept me going. I wasn’t the star player, but I grew into someone who could be counted on. The athletics program at Bodwell doesn’t just reward talent, it rewards effort and commitment, and that’s something I’ll carry with me.

Even though I wasn’t on stage, I always admired the drama productions and musical performances at Bodwell. Watching classmates perform Shakespeare or sing at assemblies made me realize how much talent was around me. I often helped out backstage or just attended, and those events gave me a sense of how important creativity is to the community.

Outside of sports, I joined the debate club for a term, which was completely outside my comfort zone. Standing in front of people and trying to argue a point in English was terrifying at first, but it gave me confidence I never thought I’d have. That willingness to try something new was something Bodwell encouraged.

Living in the dorms was a crash course in independence. I learned how to do laundry properly (after ruining a shirt or two), how to respect other people’s space, and how to create a routine for myself. Some of my closest friendships came from late-night talks in the hallways or sharing snacks after study hours. The dorm wasn’t always easy, but it became a second family.

The cafeteria was where I probably laughed the most. The food rotated between different cuisines, and while sometimes you’d wish for something more “homey,” the variety kept things interesting. The best part wasn’t the meals themselves but the way everyone gathered having students from all over the world at one table, mixing languages and stories.

North Vancouver became my little adventure spot. On weekends, we’d sometimes take the bus downtown to explore, but I loved being close to the mountains and the ocean. Even a short walk outside the school grounds gave me a sense of peace. The balance of city life and nature nearby made Bodwell feel unique.

The social life at Bodwell was shaped by its diversity. At first, it was overwhelming to meet people from so many backgrounds, but eventually, that became my favorite part. I learned as much from conversations with classmates in the dorms as I did in the classroom. Everyone brought a different story, and it made friendships here feel richer.