With a drinking problem and a criminal record, Bay man Niico Walker found himself living on the streets and "burning bridges" with those who wanted the best for him.
Looking back, the 22-year-old admitted life wasn't the happiest but said it made him a stronger person today.
Mr Walker has since turned his life around, and this week, he has flown to Christchurch to take on his first fulltime job as a glazier.
He said he did not have the easiest life, but it was not one he regretted because it had made him who he was now.
"If I didn't go through what I went through, I don't think I'd be where I am now or know the things I know."
Two years ago Mr Walker spent 9 months living on the streets in Whakatane after getting kicked out of homes in Whakatane and Taneatua where he had been living with two groups of family members. He was asked to leave because of his drinking problems.
Mr Walker was born in Opotiki and grew up there until he was 13 when he to Perth with his family, living there for four years.
When he returned to New Zealand, he bounced between Taneatua and Whakatane and things took a turn for the worst.
Niico said he began drinking heavily and "only wanted to party and have fun".
"They [Family] wanted me to get a job, and I just wanted to drink," he said.
Niico admits his problem with drinking was the catalyst to most of the issues in his life.
"I kept telling them I was going to get my things sorted, but I never did."
He said he knew his family wanted the best for him and they wanted him to get a job, but all he was doing was "burning bridges".
He found himself drinking on the streets of Whakatane.
"At the time I didn't really mind it, but when I look back at it now, it's pretty sad."
Mr Walker said he had a "pretty long criminal record" and had done two short stints in jail for crimes he described as minor disorderly behaviours and playing up in public - all of which were committed while under the influence.
While at his lowest, sitting on some steps in Whakatane, Mr Walker met a man he formed a strong connection with - that man turned out to be the father he had never met.
Mr Walker said his whole life he had only known his father's name was Watene Nikora.
When a friend brought the man over to where Mr Walker was, the pair quickly realised their connection.
At the time his father was staying with a sister but eventually ended up living on the streets with Niico.
He also got to spend time with three brothers he had never met and got to know his father's side of the family.
Mr Walker said family members tried to reach out but he never accepted offers of help.
"They tried helping. It was mainly just my pride really, for not accepting help."
After 9 months of being homeless, his father applied to Housing New Zealand and was given a home.
Mr Walker, his father and brothers moved in together and things started to improve for the family.
At the beginning of this year, Niico spent 3 months doing seasonal kiwifruit packing.
He went to a Work and Income New Zealand seminar and heard about a youth programme offered by Sport Bay of Plenty and signed up. Through the programme, he was given the opportunity to learn skills which ultimately helped him secure his new glazing job.
He also got into community work, joining the Salvation Army youth group and attending church when he was in Whakatane.
"They've (Salvation Army) supported me a lot on my journey, in trying to find work and just trying to be a better person."
About three weeks ago, with the help of Sport Bay of Plenty youth engagement adviser George Kururangi, Mr Walker was offered a glazing job in Christchurch.
"I was happy as and excited ... I was even jumping around."
"I've always wanted a job but it's been hard with my criminal history, and there's not much work going in Whakatane."
He starts his new job on Tuesday and will be staying with his sister.
Mr Kururangi said Mr Walker had "flourished" since they first met and said despite his past, he could not be faulted on his positive attitude.
"He'll do really well if he maintains that positive attitude I've seen over the last few months he's going to go far," Mr Kururangi said.
Mr Walker's new boss, New Era Glazing Ltd owner Maaka Rangihuna, said he often "gave guys second chances".
"Everyone deserves a second chance, and I'm willing to take that risk."