A 16 year old teenager burns a school portable which was a functioning activity center for the students but finds solace in a Burnaby school which provides her with the individualized attention and respect that she, like many other teens, needs. This teenager has been through a lot and if one were to make a characterization of a troubled teenager’s life, you’d be surprised as to how much she has come out of. Sample characterizations taken from random troubled teenagers include rape, eating disorders, self-harm, depression, attempted suicide, teen pregnancy, and abortion all in one teen’s life. It may sound shocking but this is what some teenagers go through out there, and they do come out of it as well. Sometimes all it takes is the right atmosphere and the kind of school a teenager goes to can make worlds of difference.

After being arrested for the burning, “Sarah” was advised to attend Whytecliff Agile Learning Centre in Burnaby. This turned out to be exactly what she needed in order to get to the positive side. Before going to Whytecliff, Sarah was quoted: "I was miserable, I was emotionally disturbed and I really, really hated the fact I was going into a school with so many people." When asked why she burned the school portable down she replied, "That was my only sanctuary, the only reason I burned it down was 'cause I hated the school, I hated the teachers and I didn't know how else to show it."

Speaking to her presently at the Whytecliff Agile Learning Centre, one will get a much different response, "I've been happy and healthy ever since," she says. Principal Bryce Hewitt explains that the atmosphere at the school is meant to be comforting and reassuring. The school intends on providing a “sense of security” to those troubled teens that need it. Hewitt explains that the teenagers may lack the stability to grow from their respective peers or family units, and this is what the school provides.

Focus Foundation of B.C., a non-profit group which is known for helping the youth dealing with complex behavioral issues, supports the Whytecliff centers. The Burnaby school accepts students from ages 15 to 19 which reside in the Lower Mainland area. These students are mostly smart but troubled in the public schools they attend. The Burnaby centre offers two programs: Youth Futures and the Whytecliff program.