In the heart of Sydney's Cabramatta, a young boy named Vireak embarked on a journey that seemed predestined by the shadows of his environment. His early life was marked by the pervasive presence of heroin, crime, and gangs, a setting that held a powerful sway over his destiny. The absence of stable, positive role models and the frequent encounters of his family with the law, especially his mother's involvement in running drugs set the stage for his initial descent.

Vireak's path initially mirrored the environment he was born into. Driven by necessity and addiction, he found himself drawn into the world of drug dealing, a decision more about survival than choice. This lifestyle became a relentless cycle, one where every attempt to break free seemed to pull him back with even greater force. His life became a testament to the adage, "With drugs or any addiction, it's constantly gone round in circles."

But within Vireak, there lay a dormant strength, an untapped potential for change. This strength was the catalyst for a series of transformations that would redefine his existence. Unlike many hero tales, Vic's mentor was not a person but his own realisation and decision to change. "I chose to make a change," he asserts, marking a pivotal moment in his journey. It was the inner awakening, the self-mentorship that guided him towards a different path.

Setting goals became Vireak's beacon through the tumult. He envisioned a life where he could be a personal trainer, a better father — aspirations that offered a stark contrast to his past. These goals were not merely dreams; they were the milestones he set on his journey towards redemption.

Vireak's trials were numerous, battling not just addiction but the societal stigma attached to his past. Yet, he persevered, bolstered by the resilience within him. He realised that the true battle was against giving up. In his words, "There's bad habits but it’s when you give up, that's when it consumes you." His ordeal was his continuous fight against relapse and maintaining the course of his new life. This was not a singular battle but an ongoing war against his past demons and societal expectations.

As Vireak navigated through these challenges, he began to see the value of his experiences. He understood that his journey could serve a greater purpose. His past, once a source of pain and struggle, became a tool for mentorship. "Your story is going to impact a lot more lives than it would just burning inside you," he reflected. This realisation marked his transition from a life marked by adversity to one of guidance and inspiration.

The relationship with his mother, once strained by the challenges of crime and drug involvement, evolved into a solid bond, underpinned by mutual understanding and shared experiences of transformation. They learned to rebuild their lives without the crutches of crime and drugs, forging a new path based on mutual support and the desire for a better life.

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Today, Vireak stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of change. His journey is a powerful reminder that no matter the depth of despair, transformation is always within reach. He embodies the resilience and determination required to overcome adversity and uses his story to light the way for others. Through his work with Confit and his mentorship of young people, Vireak demonstrates that those who have walked the path of adversity are often best placed to guide others towards a brighter future. His life is a testament to the idea that with determination, support, and a willingness to change, it's possible to leave behind a troubled past and step into a role that positively impacts the lives of others.

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Vireak's elixir is his story and the wisdom gleaned from his experiences. By sharing his journey, he offers hope, guidance, and a tangible example of transformation, becoming a pivotal figure in the lives of the youths he mentors.

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Some words directly from Vireakic below:

"Growing up in Cabramatta, I was surrounded by a life many can't even imagine. Back in the eighties and nineties, it was a place rooted in heroin, crime, and gangs. This environment shaped me, but it also trapped me.

My descent into crime wasn't something I'm proud of, but it felt like the only way to survive. Moving from one women's refuge to another, with my mom being a prolific drug dealer at the time, only added to the chaos. I probably started using heroin when I was 14; it was everywhere, and it became a way to cope with my dark feelings. Life was hard, filled with constant challenges and few escapes. As I grew older, I found ways to support my habits, and so I started selling drugs.

The struggle with addiction is hard to describe unless you've been through it. I felt like I was constantly going in circles, always pulled back by the strong tug of the drugs. But what I tell the boys is, don't stop trying to quit. There are bad habits, but it’s when you give up that they consume you. That was my reality, a never-ending cycle of addiction.

My time in youth detention and prison was a harsh reality check. There, I faced the consequences of my actions head-on. The cold bars and isolation made me reflect on my life choices. I don't look back on that part of my life fondly, but it was crucial for my change. The days and nights spent there were filled with introspection and a growing resolve to turn my life around. Funnily enough, I don’t think the punishment itself was what turned me around; it was getting over the lifestyle of drug addiction and constant chasing that forced my hand. I was just over it.

I chose to make a change... I was set for failure in my mind. From my teachers to my family and community, the only thing I saw, heard, and felt was that Vireak is a loser. I believed that for a long time, but changing my mindset led to changing my health, wellbeing, and life.

Talking about my family, especially my relationship with my mom and brother, is complex. My mom, who was involved in running drugs, and I have come a long way. We've rebuilt our lives, leaving behind the crime and drugs. My brother, however, is a different story. He's still in jail, in and out over the years. I use my brother as part of the stories I tell the boys because I chose to make a change, and he kept doing the same thing over and over again. It's tough to talk about, but it's a reality that shapes my message to the kids I mentor.

Telling this story is tough. But when I share it, I see the impact it has. My story will impact more lives than if I kept it inside. People will always judge you, no matter what, and that continues to be tough, but I keep trying. Sharing my journey isn't just about me. It's about helping others see that change is possible, no matter where you come from."

Lot's of love

Vireak