Character Study: Joey Potter

I have claimed on many occasions that Joey potter from Dawson's Creek is my favourite fictional character. Of all time. I realize that this seems drastic. How could I possibly prefer the simple, straight-forward personality of Joey Potter over a more complex, well-written, intentionally awesome character from numerous other television series? The answer is simple: Nostalgia.

Nostalgia is a funny thing. It draws us in to things we otherwise would have outgrew long ago. Dawson's Creek is my anchor, the show I return to time and time again. I'd argue that it's because the show is familiar, that it provides some sort of comfort in an otherwise unknown world.  But that's not it. Because each time I re-watch Dawson's Creek  (which I do every summer, just so that's clear), I take something new away from the show. It's a series that keeps on giving. Just like your favourite book or movie that you can never get enough. I'm in love with Dawson's Creek. 

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be Joey Potter. She was the perfect girl-next-door type. She loved the arts.  She looked adorable when she tucked her hair behind her ear. Little did I know, Joey Potter would influence many aspects of my life. I've emulated so much of this character's story that it's almost frightening to watch the show now. She falls in love with the boy up the creek. She majors in English literature. She works in publishing. She longs to travel to Paris. She struggles with maintaining friendships because of her introvert tendencies. She actually is me. 

Okay, maybe not exactly. I don't live on a creek. But, I can relate to Joey Potter. And I grew up with her. I still grow up with her. She has taught me more lessons than any real-life person, so I think that counts for something.