Bodwell High School - Review #4

What made Bodwell unique for me was how it became a bridge between who I was back home in Taipei and who I wanted to become in Canada. Moving far away from home at a young age was the biggest turning point in my life it forced me to grow up faster, to be more independent, and to really discover what I’m passionate about. For me, that was science. At Bodwell, I wasn’t just memorizing facts from textbooks, I was learning how to think, how to research, and how to apply what I studied to real-world issues. The school’s structure of balancing academics with clubs, athletics, and service, taught me how to live a full and meaningful life.

The best thing that happened to me at Bodwell was realizing who I wanted to become. Before, I just knew I liked science but later I understood that I wanted to devote myself to research, especially on diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s that affect so many people. Bodwell gave me the confidence to take that dream seriously.

If I could change anything, I would have pushed myself to speak up more in the beginning, instead of holding back. My advice to new students is to take every opportunity to learn not just in class, but from the people around you.

What I liked most about Bodwell was how it pushed me to grow not just academically but personally. It was a place where I could reinvent myself, learn independence, and find my passion.

To incoming students please don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Try talk to people who don’t speak your language fluently. And if you need a quiet place to reflect, the library was always my sanctuary, it became the space where I felt both calm and inspired.

Academics were the heart of my Bodwell experience. I gravitated toward the sciences from the start, but it was the encouragement of teachers like Ms. Chang and Mr. Nguyen that made me feel confident pursuing life sciences seriously. They pushed me to not just get the right answers, but to ask better questions. The workload was challenging, but in a way that prepared me for the rigor of university. I especially appreciated how teachers tied lessons to real-world applications, reminding us that what we learned in biology or chemistry could one day help solve pressing global issues. That way of thinking changed how I approached my studies and gave me purpose.

Even though I wasn’t the most competitive athlete, being part of school teams taught me the value of balance. Practices gave me a chance to reset my mind after long days of academics, and games became opportunities to bond with classmates. Athletics also made me more disciplined. I learned to commit, to show up, and to give my best effort even when things were difficult.

I admired the arts at Bodwell even though I wasn’t as involved in them personally. Some of my closest friends were in the music program, and I loved attending their performances. It showed me how creative and talented the Bodwell community was, and I found inspiration in their dedication.

Beyond science club and athletics, I joined student-led groups that focused on leadership and service. Those experiences taught me about teamwork, but also about listening, really hearing different perspectives and valuing them. In a diverse school like Bodwell, extracurriculars became a microcosm of the world, where you could practice cooperation and empathy in a safe space.

Living in the dorm was one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of my experience. Coming from Taiwan, I had never lived away from home, and suddenly I was sharing space with students from all over the world. It wasn’t always easy because of cultural differences, homesickness, and the need for privacy sometimes made things hard but over time, I learned patience, flexibility, and independence. Late conversations in the hallways, sharing snacks from home, or simply studying together in common spaces became some of my favorite memories.

The cafeteria was where cultures truly mixed. I could sit at a table where people were all sharing stories about their families and food back home. The menu itself often reflected that diversity, which I appreciated. Even though I missed Taiwanese food, I found comfort in how Bodwell’s dining hall became a gathering place where I felt part of something bigger.

Being in North Vancouver gave me access to both the city and nature, which was something I had never experienced in the same way back home. I loved being able to take short walks to clear my head or go downtown with friends for a change of scenery. That balance between quiet natural beauty and vibrant city life made living here feel special.

The social life at Bodwell was shaped by diversity. It took me some time to feel comfortable, but once I did, I realized how lucky I was to be surrounded by people from so many backgrounds. I learned just as much from my peers as I did from my teachers. Sharing traditions, languages, and stories created friendships that I know will last for years.