I've never been shy about the fact that I often become far too engrossed in TV shows. I imagine myself winning the final rose on "The Bachelor," solving the latest murder mystery on "How to Get Away with Murder," and galavanting around Paris with Blair Waldorf on "Gossip Girl." Perhaps to some that's pathetic. However, while some may claim TV is entirely useless and a waste of time, I have often found watching TV to be the only way I can truly relax. My mind often races as I try to balance two internships, a job, multiple extracurriculars and school, while maintaining some sort of a social life. Yet, when I sit down to watch the latest episode of my favorite show I am completely at ease. Instead of viewing characters on sitcoms as fictional, although I know they are, I appreciate the creativity and inspiration that went into developing such complex characters. Perhaps this is why I have always been interested in somehow pursuing a career in television or film, hopefully as a writer.
During finals, I began watching "The Mindy Project" because finals week is obviously the most appropriate time to start binge watching a new show. Although I had heard mixed reviews, a professor I trusted insisted that I start watching and thanks to my roommate from my semester abroad, who allowed me to use her Hulu account, I became quickly addicted. For those who have never seen the show, created by and starring Mindy Kaling, it is a quirky romantic comedy about an empowered, hilarious and sometimes dysfunctional OBGYN living in New York. As I watched main character Mindy Lahiri navigate work and love, always rocking a colorful Betsy Johnson-esque wardrobe, I found myself completely captivated. And, for the first three seasons, I found myself falling in love with co-worker turned boyfriend turned fiancé Danny Castellano, played by Chris Messina. As my obsession has grown and I find myself waiting anxiously for each week's episode, I realized that I look up to Mindy Lahiri in many ways.
Mindy Lahiri is bold. She is courageous and not afraid to speak her mind, and has made me realize that being fearless is crucial. As my senior year approaches I have become increasingly anxious about what my future holds. I have always dreamt of living in a big city, like LA, Chicago or New York, but as it gets closer I am not afraid to admit that I am scared. It would definitely be easier to go back to Denver where I have guaranteed friends, and if those fall through I can hang out with my parents. However, since I started watching "The Mindy Project" I have realized that I need to chase my dreams fearlessly and boldly. Mindy Lahiri stands up for herself and approaches her work, social and love life with conviction. I have learned that in order to thrive and to make the most of being a young, single woman living in a big city, I need to be bold. I can't let insecurities or fear hold me back and I need to approach my future fearlessly. Mindy Lahiri's confidence is what makes her an engaging and successful woman, and in order to have the future I want, I need to carry myself with the same kind of confidence.
She is a great friend, sister, girlfriend and mother. Throughout the show, Mindy's character is portrayed in various roles. However, one thing that is consistent is her loyalty. I mean, she moved to Haiti with Casey (played by my love, Anders Holm) -- how's that for a loyal girlfriend? When I reflect on my own relationships, loyalty is something that I value and hope to portray. Mindy's friendships with Peter and Morgan in particular are demonstrative of the loyal and sincere friendships that I hope to maintain as I pursue the next chapter of my life. Additionally, her relationship with her brother has reified the importance of remaining loyal to family, even when you start a life of your own. My brother and I have always been remarkably close, and watching "The Mindy Project" has proven to me that the relationship I have with my brother should remain a priority in my life even as I pursue my big dreams. I hope to embody the same loyal and honest relationships that Mindy has demonstrated on the show.
She manages to maintain a great career despite her loyalty to others. This is a huge conflict in the later seasons of the show. However, Mindy proves time and time again that it is possible to be a successful working woman. And you can even be personable, too! Usually successful women are portrayed as cold and unrelatable. However, Mindy Lahiri's character proves that women are able to have successful careers without being completely frigid. This has inspired me to pursue a career and has proven to me that just because I am successful at work doesn't mean I can't have a happy family or a great social life. Mindy's character has inspired me to chase my career goals, while maintaining many other aspects of myself.
Aside from teaching me to be fearless and confident, Mindy has helped me overcome something that I have struggled with my entire life. Since I was young, I have struggled with my body image. Although I have been told by many that I exude confidence, my body image has held me back in many situations. Therefore, as I have watched Mindy embrace herself, curves and all, on "The Mindy Project" I have become inspired to be unapologetically myself. On many shows, the characters that aren't stick thin are often portrayed as a sort of joke. Take Phyllis from "The Office," for example. Therefore, it is refreshing to watch a show where the main character, who is both successful and relatable, is not a stick figure. Mindy is happy to be herself and does not let her body image hold her back. In fact, if anything, she embraces her body. To some, this may seem silly. How can a fictional character help someone overcome a struggle they've dealt with nearly their entire life? As someone who looks for inspiration in media, it is nice to see a character that is entirely happy being themselves. Although I am not nearly as confident as Mindy Lahiri, watching "The Mindy Project" has taught me that I cannot allow my negative body image to hold me back and that in order to truly thrive I need to be confident in myself and transform my perception of my self image.
There are various examples from "The Mindy Project" of characters and events that have inspired me. From watching this show I have learned to act boldly and confidently as I pursue my future and to not allow my insecurities to hold me back. I have been inspired again to chase my dreams, no matter how scary they may seem. Although some see watching TV as a mindless act, I have learned a lot about myself and about who I want to be from watching "The Mindy Project." I hope to chase my dreams fearlessly and act with conviction and maybe someday I'll be as great as Mindy Lahiri. I think about role models frequently, and they have been the topic of many pieces of my writing. Perhaps it is strange that a fictional character is my role model, but I can't wait until next Tuesday to see what crazy adventure Mindy Lahiri gets herself into next.
