There's a pretty distinct division on the argument of whether or not college students should have pets or not. On the one hand, they provide a source of comfort and reinforce discipline skills first learned in younger years, but at the same time, they're expensive and time-consuming and could pose a distraction from a student's work.

I spent a large portion of my freshman year contemplating and researching if I was ready for a pet or not. I've always considered myself a responsible person, but I wondered if I was prepared to be fully in charge of another living creature.

On May 5th, 2017, I brought home Daphne, a two-month-old bearded dragon who hasn't stopped smiling since. I'll admit that at times I've wondered if I was in over my head, like the first time she got sick and wouldn't eat for three days or her first birthday when I found an odd lump beneath her shoulder. But at her best and at her worst, I've taken care of her, and there hasn't been a single day in our time together where she hasn't made me stop and smile and think of how grateful I am to have a scaly little friend like her. Daphne is a challenge, yes, but she is also the best decision I've ever made.

The college years are certainly a unique time. We're at an age where we're encouraged to think for ourselves, to look forward and plan for our futures, and yet, people our age are often scorned for selfishness and limited thinking. I myself have trouble with this sort of harmless selfishness. I have always found it difficult to think of my own concerns before those of other people.

So for me, having a pet is a great way to worry about something larger than my day to day trials. Knowing that Daphne doesn't care if I fell down in front of a whole tour group on campus, or confidently shouted out the wrong answer in class is oddly comforting. All she cares about is that I come back home to her at the end of the day, that I feed her, play with her, and love her unconditionally.

Having Daphne around has taught me more about myself too, and those were certainly lessons I didn't anticipate. I've learned a lot about my instinct to care. I always knew that I would do anything for those I love and care about, but caring for her has shown me just the extent I take that to. I never thought a lizard would be my greatest lesson in empathy, but just last month when she was struck by a case of reptilian food poisoning, I wrapped her in a blanket and held her until she fell asleep. I so distinctly remember wishing there was more I could do for her, wishing that I could endure it for her.

But the best part about having Daphne around is knowing that I always have a companion. College can be a tricky maze of bad roommates and hard classes, but everything is just a little easier when you have that sweet smiling face that missed you so much to look forward to at the end of the day.