My experience with Parks and Recreation.

       So the series finale of parks and recreation is tonight and although I'm sad to see my favorite cast of characters in their last hurrah I'm somewhat happy.

       This show had a fantastic run and at the very least I can be satisfied that it's getting a proper ending on the terms of the creators unlike other shows. I think back to the first time I started watching it and noticing all the similarities to The Office which it was originally an Office homage.

       I see now that the show did more for me than give me a few laughs. This silly show, the one that introduced us to Leslie Knope a character who never gave up on her goals and taught me the lesson that when everyone around you is ready to give up you have to make a stand and say “no, I will not settle because we can do better.” The character of Ron Swanson, who taught me that change can always be scary and when the world changes you have to stay true to yourself. The character of Andy Dwyer, who taught me to love and live life to the fullest and when you feel you’re at your lowest there's always something to bring yourself back on your feet.

       This show taught me to be who I am, to show the world a type of kindness that is slowly becoming rare these days and that I shouldn't be ashamed of what I hold dear. I'm watching the series finale, not because I know it will be great, not because I have nothing better to do and not because I need a laugh.

       No, I'm watching it because I owe this show more than I can imagine and while plenty of people out there will say that Parks and Recreation or Sons of Anarchy, or Monk, or Psych or any other show I've come to love is nothing more than linear entertainment, I say it's more. From 90's cheese of Family Matters, to the high class affair of Downton Abbey, these shows reflect us because they are made by real people and real people are more than their outward appearance.

       Whether sad, depressed, angry or afraid we can rely on these shows to never let us down. I'm thankful for the years of joy I've felt from this and many other shows and I will look on towards the future and know that I could make something that just might make a future college student type a letter like this from their hearts. 

       Thank you Michael Schur and Greg Daniels for creating this funny little show and thank you everyone involved for you have made something truly and wholly great.