With her boyfriend's support, Kelsey started planning the move two months before she left. "We researched places to live and applied for jobs," she says, "but it's difficult when you're not there." Neither of them was able to find work or an apartment, but they weren't discouraged. They moved to Vancouver in January 2004 and found accommodation first at a hostel, and then at a friend's house. Only weeks later, they enrolled in a free youth employment program to learn career and life skills that will help them find jobs.

Kelsey and her boyfriend now have their own apartment and they have successfully completed the employment program. "It was hard but we did it," Kelsey says of her transition. "It was a big change and a great experience." She says she loves urban living and doesn't want to live in a small town again but she does miss Ucluelet's beaches and wilderness. Now, her plans are to find a job in the hospitality industry and complete her high school education. Kelsey's advice to youth who want to move from rural to urban communities is to research everything first and not to give up when things don't go as planned. "With such life-changing decisions, get all your resources, have a destination and know that it's possible."

"I'm busy with so many other things in life, like parenting three, going on four, children. I don't have the time like I did in high school-only I didn't realize it then." Another factor affecting Erica's decision is cost. Completing her Grade 12 education outside the public school system means course and exam fees, which vary depending on the institution. "I'm trying to figure out whether to complete my Grade 12 with the Long Distance Education program or with Continuing Education. I can only do what doesn't cost a lot of money," she says.

Despite the challenges, Erica says there's a positive side to her story. Going back to school in her twenties means she's more eager to learn and has more self-discipline. "I want to have a career of my own and a second income in the family," she says. Erica's goal is to be a hairdresser, which would allow her to set her own hours, be her own boss and work out of her home so she can be with her children. Overall, she's excited about her decision to go back to school. "I don't feel at all uncomfortable. There are so many people doing it that I'm just one in a million doing the same."

So far, however, Chris's plan is going well. He has received an offer for a full-time job at Home Depot in Victoria and has looked into courses at Camosun Community College. Overall, he feels positive about his transition into the world of work and his choice to go into real estate. "I really want to do it," he says. "My dad has customers who are realtors so I talked to them about real estate and it seems pretty interesting," he explains. "When I told them I wanted to do it, they said it was the smartest thing they'd ever heard!" Chris has found his network of supporters, including his father's customers, to be very helpful. "Talking to people and finding someone who is doing what you want to do is important," he says. "Talking gives you good connections, encouragement and support."

Robin lived with his father for a month before moving in with his sister, but neither situation was positive. Soon, the Ministry of Children and Families took Robin into custody and placed him into group and foster homes. During this period, which was marked by several trips to prison, Robin decided it was time to make a change. "Transition is hard for anyone, I don't care how strong a person is," he says. "When I made the decision to smarten up I simply told myself I'd had enough, and I was introduced to a lot of people who were able to support me."

Aware that Robin was looking for help with drug, alcohol and anger management issues, the staff at Robin's group home pointed him in the right direction. At the same time, they allowed him to make mistakes, empowering him to move forward on his own terms. "Empowerment is the best form of assistance," he says, adding that the feeling of self-accomplishment that comes with empowerment is very rewarding. His advice to youth who want to make positive life transitions: "Do it. You have absolutely nothing to lose. I don't want to tell you it's a walk through the park because it's not. But the rewards are endless."