Like any good Millennial, I have an
obsession with Netflix. My most recent show of choice is the one and only, “Parks
and Recreation.” This show is all about Leslie Knope, the Deputy Director of
the Parks and Recreation Department, and her enthusiasm for local parks in the
small town of Pawnee, IN. I have come to love this masterpiece of cinema magic
for a few reasons. First, it takes place in the beautiful state of Indiana.
What can beat that, right? Second, it is about local government, which I hope
to work in someday. Finally, it is about being passionate about your work,
which I would argue is one of the most important things in life.
Before I began writing this blog, I
had a binge watching session to finish Season 2 of this glorious show (I know,
I’m not that far in. Don’t judge me, Parks and Rec veterans). However, the last
episode of that season is set around the turmoil of the government shutdown of City
of Pawnee due to the city’s poorly run budget. This causes quite the problem for
Leslie’s grand plan for the start of the city’s summer concert series for
children. She can’t use any of the local parks because of the government shut
down. She will have to get all the supplies donated because she can’t use any
of the department’s resources. However, Leslie doesn’t let this stop her from
bringing the joy to the children of Pawnee. She overcomes all the challenges
and puts on a great concert all for the kids.
This is what I love most about
Leslie Knope. She doesn’t give up. She identifies the obstacle, determines how she
will get around it, and sets her mind to be successful. Often times, I sit back
and wonder, is what Leslie puts herself through really worth it? That’s the difference
between Leslie Knope and most of us though. She is so insanely passionate about
her work that she makes sure she is successful.
Here’s my challenge: Be the Leslie
Knope of whatever you do. Often times, we get in such a routine with our work.
We go through the motion. We do what is absolutely required of us and nothing
more. I fall into the same trap. When we fall into this trap of stagnation and apathy,
we don’t do all we could and we aren’t as successful as we could be. Every day,
we must wake up, reenergize the passion we feel for our work, and push on to be
the Leslie Knope of whatever we do. You might ask, what if I don’t feel any
passion for what I do? Well, it’s time to move on because if you aren’t passionate,
what are you accomplishing?
In the finale episode of Season 2,
Mark Brendanawicz, the City Planner, gives Leslie plans for a future park.
While he notes he couldn’t fit everything in that she wanted, such as a shark
tank or a roller coaster, he thought it was pretty cool. Just when Leslie
begins to think she won’t be able to build a park for a while with Pawnee’s budget
issues, Mark says, “I wouldn’t bet against you.” If you put your passion to work
to overcome whatever challenges you may face, I wouldn’t bet against you
either. Whether you are an accountant, a local farmer, a fresh college graduate,
an Indiana FFA member, or even a Deputy Parks Director.
Just remember, be the Leslie Knope
of whatever you do.
Smile On,
Brett Roberts
Indiana FFA State Northern Region Vice President
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