Bodwell High School - Review #1

Bodwell taught me how to balance discipline with independence. I arrived as a shy student from Seoul, not sure how to manage life in a dorm, a new country, and a new education system. The transition wasn’t easy, but the school made it possible. Teachers there don’t only teach but they also watch how you grow. Mr. Chan, my math teacher, always asked how I was doing before class began. Those small check-ins meant more than I realized at the time. The mix of structure and care is what makes Bodwell different. You’re expected to meet high standards, but you’re never left alone to figure things out.

The best thing that happened to me at Bodwell was realizing what I wanted to do. Before I came, I had no clear direction. Through community service and art classes, I found my interest in human-centered design. I became more independent, more organized, and more sure of myself.

Get involved early and especially with people not from your home country, even if it feels awkward. Those experiences shape you more than grades ever will and you tend to learn more and faster.

The sense of belonging. No one stays invisible for long at Bodwell. Teachers, staff, and dorm advisors know your name. They notice when you’re struggling and when you’re improving. That kind of environment changes how you see yourself.

If you visit, spend time by the waterfront near the school. It’s quiet and beautiful, especially in the evenings. It’s where I used to go when I needed to think. My advice to future students is simple, use every opportunity, talk to people outside your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Bodwell isn’t easy, but it’s where you find out what you’re capable of.

The academics at Bodwell are structured but very flexible as well. Teachers expect you to ask questions. I liked that. In English, for example we were taught how to write essays that said something real, not just what the rubric wanted. Science classes were challenging, but labs made everything practical. What I appreciated most was how approachable the teachers were. You could walk into their office during breaks and talk through your work. The focus wasn’t only on getting high marks but on understanding what you were learning. It was a competitive environment but students also worked together.

Sports are a big part of the Bodwell experience. Every student is encouraged to participate in at least one. For me, volleyball became a stress release. We practiced after classes, and even on long days, I always felt better after playing. The coaches cared about effort more than skill. They made sure everyone felt like part of the team, no matter their level. We weren’t the best in the league since we were a smaller school compared to the other schools we played, but we had pride in showing up and working together.

Bodwell gives space to explore creativity. The art studio was my second home. Ms. Lee always pushed us to think differently, not to draw what was pretty but what was personal. We also had small music showcases during the year where students performed, even those who weren’t in formal music classes. The school encouraged creative risk-taking. I didn’t realize how rare that was until later.

There were countless clubs to join. I was part of the community service club during Grade 11. We volunteered at a local food bank once a month and ran small fundraisers. I also joined Model United Nations for a short while. It was intimidating at first, but the experience improved my confidence. The school supported student projects too, so if you had an idea, teachers would help make it happen.

Dorm life was one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of Bodwell. You share space with students from everywhere so you learn patience fast. Some nights were noisy, and sometimes you missed home, but there was always someone to talk to. Our dorm advisor was strict but kind. She pushed us to clean our rooms, respect each other, and study before relaxing. Over time, it started to feel like a small family..

Food at Bodwell was simple but reliable. Breakfast was usually eggs and toast or cereal, and dinners rotated between Korean, Western, and sometimes a bit of Middle Eastern dishes. My best meals were on Fridays when they served Korean-style fried chicken. Everyone looked forward to it. During meals you could sit with different groups, and somehow you always met someone new.

North Vancouver is peaceful. You’re surrounded by water and mountains, and it’s easy to feel calm even during stressful weeks. The SeaBus ride to downtown was my little escape. I’d go with friends for bubble tea or shopping on weekends. Being so close to the city but still in a quiet area gave us the best of both worlds.

Social life at Bodwell depends on participation. The more involved you are, the better it gets. Weekend trips, dorm events, and student-run festivals made it easy to connect. My best friends came from completely different countries, and that changed how I see the world. You learn to adapt, to listen, and to appreciate differences.