Musings on Parks and Rec

Watching Parks and Recreation for the first time was like reading a book I couldn’t put down. The series had just wrapped it’s 6th season when I sat down to watch it from the beginning one lazy Saturday, and it was easily one of the best decisions I ever made. I was— and still am—fascinated by its characters, especially Leslie Knope. Rather unexpectedly, a character who was kind-hearted, a little goofy yet overwhelmingly positive, and passionate about her work and personal relationships had taken over my TV. At a pivotal time in my life, Leslie was exactly what I needed to see.

Even though I first got to know her through my computer screen by streaming episodes through Netflix and Hulu, I quickly became an avid fan of the sitcom and consider myself lucky that I was able to watch the last season air live. I am quite certain that there isn’t another show in existence that makes me laugh quite as hard as Parks and Rec does while simultaneously inspiring me to be a better version of myself. From lines like “Uteruses before duderuses,” to “You are a beautiful, talented, brilliant, powerful musk ox,” Leslie Knope made me a better person. She showed me that it’s actually really cool to share your passions with others, and being a good friend is easy when you are a genuine and loving support system.

Greg Daniels and Michael Schur filled a void in both my television set and my life when they created Leslie Knope. She is one character that showed me that confidence is key, taking risks should be exciting— not scary, and sticking by your beliefs is so important. Over the past three years, I have truly embraced who I am and what I love because of Leslie and the rest of the Parks and Rec cast. My love for the show continues to grow with each passing year as does my own self-confidence and drive. Thanks to Leslie, I can confidently say that “there ain’t no party like a [Chrysann Panos] party.”