Parks and Recreation is one of the most binge-worthy shows on Netflix. Turn it on and you are pulled into small-town Pawnee, Indiana. One episode in and you quickly become immersed in watching Ron Swanson craft something out of wood, seeing Donna and Tom "treat" themselves, or observing the mismatched, but perfect couple of Andy and April take on some challenge as newly weds. Perhaps though, the one thing that most makes this show truly magical is the overly cheerful Leslie Knope. The hardworking, bubbly blonde literally exudes optimism on screen. Her undeniable happiness and love for others makes her a role model protagonist on this show. Here are 13 reasons why.

1. She is a successful, career-driven woman.

If nothing else, this alone is reason enough to love Leslie Knope. Whether its with the Parks Department, or on city council, she has a job she adores and she is fully committed to it. She is a symbol of women in the workplace, who strive to go above and beyond.

2. But she knows that other things are more important.

She has her life in perspective.

3. Speaking of waffles, she loves them.

Same Leslie, same.

4. She has self confidence.

She's awesome and she knows it.

5. She looks up to other powerful, amazing women

And she realizes she can be one too.

6. She is an amazing friend.

She made her coworkers her friends. She made Anne Perkins her partner in crime. And she even makes Ron Swanson smile. That in itself is a feat of drastic proportions.

7. She has killer dance moves.

8. She fights for equality.

You tell him Leslie.

9. She's a butt-kicking feminist.

I mean come on, she collected trash in the name of equality.

10. She understands teamwork.

11. She doesn't take no for an answer.

She works to get what she wants.

12. She knows how to give a compliment.

13.She followed her dreams.

And she achieved them.

We love you Leslie Knope.