Single word/idiom for a changed man

Here is my story. 10 years ago today, my dad said to me, "I want you to become a better person." before he passed away.

I was a bad boy hanging around with bad boys damaging things and fighting with others, which brought plenty of sadness to him. He always thought I would commit a crime.

However, after I heard his last words, I realized how bad I was and I have tried to change myself to follow what he said.

His words "try to be a good person" means the same as "try to become a human" as bad people are referred to as a brute in my country.

What would be a good English word or idiom to describe my change?

Solution 1:

Your father was hoping for your

redemption

the act, process, or result of redeeming something or someone: such as

a [noncount] : the act of making something better or more acceptable the redemption of his reputation The situation is beyond/past redemption. [=it is too bad to be corrected or improved]

b : the act of exchanging something for money, an award, etc. [count] stock redemptions [noncount] the redemption of coupons

c [noncount] Christianity : the act of saving people from sin and evil the redemption of sinners : the fact of being saved from sin or evil a sinner's search for redemption bad people who are beyond/past redemption [=who cannot be saved]

learnersdictionary.com

Can't say I approve of tattoos. But it's better than fighting and breaking stuff.

Solution 2:

Now, you are a clean slate.

Clean slate:

A fresh start; another chance after wiping out old offenses or debts. The Free Dictionary

A record without dishonour. Collins Dictionary

A record unblemished by problems, failures, etc. A clean record like that of someone just starting an activity or period of time. Merriam Webster