Tasmanian eshay’s emotional message to his younger self after life of regretful decisions
An eshay has spoken candidly about his difficult life battling alcohol and drug addiction and his regrets about dropping out of school at a young age.
Young Tasmanian dad Jeremy, from the working-class Glenorchy area of Hobart, was candid and honest when approached by Sydney-based YouTube star Jamie Zhu for an online documentary.
Jeremy had a good upbringing, but fell into bad habits in high school, such as smoking cigarettes, and eventually quit to become a mechanic.
His life spiraled out of control when his drinking – including during lunch breaks and every evening after work – turned him into an alcoholic.
He started using crystal methamphetamine – better known as drug ice – and ended up on the streets of Hobart.
He hasn’t seen his son in six years.
Jeremy became visibly emotional and regretful when Zhu asked what advice he had for his younger self.
Tasmanian Eshay Jeremy (pictured) became emotional as he reflected on his difficult life
“Don’t stick that needle in your arm,” he began, struggling to keep his composure.
“Don’t go on the ice and sell your stuff, Jeremy. Wake up to yourself.
‘Stay, do better at school. I wish I could go back to school, you know?
“I would say study harder in school, stop drifting around and make your life harder for you in the future.
“Listen to your father and listen to the advice he gave you.”
With two black eyes, Jeremy explained that his injuries were self-inflicted after spending the night in a police cell several days earlier.
He had been arrested for ‘apparently assaulting a police officer’.
“I was heavily drunk and thought it would be a good idea to hit my head against the wall,” Jeremy said.
‘I was stripped naked. I was left in the cell with nothing, so in protest I started hitting my head against the wall.”
YouTuber Jamie Zhu (right) was stunned to learn that Jeremy hadn’t seen his son in six years
Although he still has a long way to go to get back on track, Jeremy has vowed to turn his life around.
He plans to move to Burnie, 200 miles away, where his seven-year-old son lives.
“I haven’t seen him since he was one, so that’s a relationship I want to build because he doesn’t know me and I don’t know him,” he told Zhu.
‘That’s my main goal. That kept me alive.’
Jeremy admitted that his son wouldn’t be proud of him right now.
“But if I cleaned myself up and showed him I’m a good person…” he said.
Jeremy said the only thing keeping him alive is the hope that one day he will reconnect with his son
Many viewers were touched by Jeremy’s heartbreaking story.
“My heart goes out to you, Jeremy. If you happen to be reading this, we are all completely imperfect. You are not a bad person and you can go through what you are going through,” one person commented.
Another added: “Jeremy you got this bro. Knowing who you are is half the battle.
Zhu also interviewed former criminal Damo, who turned his life around and became a new man by turning to Christianity.
He hopes to keep troubled teens from taking the wrong path like he did.