Gratitude Girl

Dear Lisa: You've been on my mind... We haven't met in person, but I've seen you in many films. You play one of my favorite characters on Friends, and I've watched the show so many times that I've lost count. You portray Phoebe Buffay and her unique character extremely well.  Thank you for your wonderful performance. I appreciate all your work. Thank you for the superb entertainment. I am grateful for all the moments of joy and laughter you gave me... and a billion other people. Love... Noosha Ravaghi

Dear Jane: You've been on my mind... I met you online a while ago when you reached out to me and generously offered your help. You are a talented artist and a decent human being.  Thank you for keeping in touch, for caring, for being supportive. Thank you for being a friend. I'm honored and grateful. Love... Noosha Ravaghi

Dear Steve, Chad, and Jawed: You've been on my mind... Thank you for creating YouTube! A quick Google search reveals that you are the founders of this online video sharing platform, that you registered it on February 14, 2005, and that you created it so that people could share their home videos.  I have learned how to do so many things on YouTube that I can't even mention them all in one blog post. From troubleshooting during computer emergencies to learning to pronounce unfamiliar words to building my cabin, I have used your social media platform hundreds, if not thousands, of times. Did I mention I also use YouTube to watch music videos and full concerts? I appreciate your idea, skills, and efforts that led to what is now the second most visited website. I'm grateful for all three of you. Gratefully, Noosha Ravaghi

Dear Googoosh: You've been on my mind... Your voice has filled my house since my childhood as you've been the most popular Iranian singer since six decades ago, an entire decade before I was born. I've always enjoyed not just your songs but also your performance. You were a beautiful little girl, and having aged like fine wine, you are gorgeous today. Your lovely voice still surrounds me regularly. Thank you for your songs. I have too many favorites to mention. Thank you for all the entertainment. I saw you in concert only once in person, but I've watched your many concerts, both old and new, online. I am grateful for you! Love... Noosha Ravaghi  

Dear Reading & Writing 7 Students: You've been on my mind... Adriana, Leyda, Remy, Rikuya, Rino, Kosuke, and Pedro, I am so very proud of you! As of today, all of you have published your books and officially become authors. I gave you a huge writing project six weeks ago, and you all completed it... in only six weeks.  I am also very grateful for each one of you! This was a huge project for me, too, and today I feel I've achieved an important task. Without you, I wouldn't have this feeling of accomplishment. I appreciate all your work in my not-so-easy writing class.  Thank you for supporting each other during this arduous process. Congratulations!!! Love... Noosha Ravaghi