"Now that I have been involved with Tokyo English Life Line and gotten some experience in the mental-health field, I realize that this is very much what I want to do long-term, and in Japan," said Peter Bernick.

He is a young man who thinks that his adventure travels, struggles and experiences have equipped him to help others. "Basically," he said, "I wanted to do volunteer work, and began with TELL.

"I have a growing interest in counseling and mental health. I think Japan is an exciting place to be as society here is really just waking up to a lot of mental-health issues. I hope to contribute to expanded mental-health services in Japan."