When Friendly Visiting volunteer Pooja Agarwal met Peter through FriendshipWorks, their weekly conversations grew into a true friendship. Now, as Pooja celebrates the release of her latest book, Smart Teaching, Stronger Learning, she’s inspired to donate $3 from every sale to support FriendshipWorks because, as she says, “This book wouldn’t have happened without Peter.”
Meet Pooja
In her day-to-day life, Pooja Agarwal wears many hats: cognitive scientist, Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music Boston, published author—and Friendly Visiting volunteer with FriendshipWorks.
When Pooja moved to Brookline, she wanted to connect with her new community. She had always enjoyed spending time with older adults, and upon a neighbor's recommendation she decided to volunteer with FriendshipWorks, an organization that works toward ending elder isolation in Greater Boston.
A Friendship that Grew
That’s how she met Peter McIntyre, a FriendshipWorks program participant. From their very first visit, Pooja and Peter clicked, sharing lively weekly conversations that soon blossomed into a deep and meaningful friendship.
“It is so rewarding to have Peter as a friend,” Pooja says. “FriendshipWorks feels like more than a volunteer organization. It’s a community I hadn’t expected to find.”
Inspiration and Support Along the Way
When Pooja began writing her newest book, Smart Teaching, Stronger Learning: Practical Tips from 10 Cognitive Scientists, Peter was by her side, encouraging her through every step of the process.
Pooja says, “Peter played such an important part that he’s included in the acknowledgments.”
FriendshipWorks Friendly Visiting volunteer Pooja Agarwal (L) with her friend Peter McIntyre.
Thank you, Pooja for Supporting FriendshipWorks!
Are you or someone you know a teacher looking to connect and engage more deeply with students? Smart Teaching Stronger Learning has practical tips from 10 cognitive scientists that could help. A portion of the proceeds will go toward FriendshipWorks' mission of reducing social isolation and creating meaningful friendships across Greater Boston.
