In my early years of life, I was a dreamer. I loved school, I was a straight A student and always enthusiastic about the things I loved to do. I thought I was going to be a famous zoologist, a firefighter, an astronomer, a musician. No matter what it was that I was doing, I was invested and hardworking, and because of this I was content. As I grew older and entered high school, I became jaded. It had been beaten into my brain that I should dream big, but not too big. Surrounded by cynical procrastinators, this is soon what I became myself. It wasn’t until recently that I realized there was another way to live as a young adult.
One ordinary day, I was browsing through Netflix and came across “Parks and Recreation.” I decided to give it a shot and was immediately engrossed by the incredible female lead, Leslie Knope. Knope is a small town government worker who has big dreams, loves her job, has unlimited energy and enthusiasm, fights for what she believes in and truly cares about everyone around her. Observing this made me realize something important; the world would be a much better place if everyone were a little more like Leslie Knope.
Leslie Knope goes above and beyond in everything she does. When Knope was running for public office, her campaign manager told her she needed to relax, she said, “Sit tight? Take a beat? Relax? I don’t really do any of those things. In fact, while I was in that meeting I was also planning my mother’s birthday party in my head” (s4 ep10). Now, this is not to say that it is not okay to relax once in awhile, but it is undeniable that the magnitude of Knope’s ambition is inspiring. Putting more effort into some aspect of our lives is something every one of us can and should do. Whether it be relationships, school, work, or health all of us have room for improvement.
Another incredible thing about Leslie Knope is that she dreams big and doesn’t let rejection get in her way. In season one episode two, Knope says, “It is my dream to build a park… That I one day visit with my White House staff on my birthday. And they say President Knope, this park is awesome. Now we understand why you’re the first female president of the United States.” There is no doubt that it would benefit everyone to think this way. All human beings get discouraged at times, but if we keep our eyes set on what we really want, nothing can stop us.
Leslie Knope always keeps a positive outlook, and maintains her sense of humor through all her hardships. “What I hear when I’m being yelled at is people caring loudly at me,” Knope said after a particularly rough public forum. Leslie never gives up hope, and never lets those around her give up hope either.
As an advocate for social justice, active viewer of Parks and Recreation is senior James Arnold. “Leslie Knope serves as a great influence for young women because of the way she stands up to others and always finds a way to succeed in a career filled with men trying to step over her,” he said. Despite being treated unfairly in the workplace because of her gender, Leslie Knope never fails to stay positive, stand up for herself, and push through the challenges she faces.
Sure, being pessimistic and uncaring about what you’re doing or what is going on around you may seem easier, but how will it be for you in the long run? What kind of person do you wish to be? I would suggest that everyone be the Leslie Knope at whatever they do. Make your mark, impact others, be happy with the person you are, and make the world a better place to live.
