From April and Andy getting married to 'lil Sebastian's death, "Parks and Recreation" was an emotional steamroller. For seven seasons, I laughed, cried, and fell in love with the cast. I had never learned anything from watching television until I encountered thus show. Its characters all individually taught me a lesson.
1. Leslie Knope taught me that hard work, determination and positivity make endless strides toward moving mountains.
It takes hard work and dedication but Leslie's success is the proven payoff.
2. Just like Ann Perkins, I had to figure out who I wanted to be, for myself.
I learned that before anyone else, I have to worry about myself.
3. I am now unapologetically comfortable being myself all thanks to Ron Swanson.
I didn't realize how easy it was to be me and no one else!
4. Andy Dwyer taught me to cherish my youth and that age is truly only a number.
You are never too old to have fun!
5. Sometimes, you have to change your old habits if you want to change your life and just like April Ludgate I've learned this for myself
Change can be terrifying but April showed grace and courage and was able to inspire others!
6. Chris Traeger was possibly one of the most relatable characters on the show. 
Struggling with mental illness is no joke and watching Chris for seven seasons inspired me to get the help that I needed.
7. I never knew how important it was to reward myself but Donna Meagle's famous quote "treat yo' self" really resonates with me. 
It is so important to take time to relax and remember that the days are numbered and it is really okay to take some time off (but not as to fall behind).
8.No Character on the show is as willing and accepting as Jerry Gergich and I think that that is some advice everyone can take. 
A helping hand is sometimes the most meaningful gift.
9. Ben Wyatt, probably the shows most underrated character.
He lets his nerd out and emphasizes the "okayness" of it.
10. Oh, the lesson to be learned from Tom Haverford.
As the show progressed and on more than one occasion, a business plan failed Tom learned and grew with the failure. Literally, he learned his lesson by the end of it. And that lesson: There is always a lesson to be learned.
"Parks and Recreation" has influenced me in nearly every walk of life. I finished the show with tears in my eyes because it began to feel like I was losing a group of friends rather than ending a television series, I can always watch it again and again but when it ends, it will be the same. I will be a little wiser and older and I may take different things out of it but one thing that will never fade is my love for the fictional city of Pawnee, Indiana and The tight knit community of the Parks department.
